WASHINGTON: An investigation into the death of American fitness icon Richard Summons, who was found dead in his Los Angeles home over the weekend, has found no foul play involved, a US law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told People.
“The LAPD is not pursuing the investigation at this time because there is foul play involved,” the source told People magazine.
The fitness guru, who turned 76 on Friday, July 12, was found dead in his Los Angeles home by his maid on July 13.
TMZ reported that Simmons collapsed in his bathroom on Friday night, but refused to seek medical help despite the urgings of his housekeeper.
He reportedly felt dizzy and said he could go to the doctor in the morning. The housekeeper put him to bed that night and found his unconscious body next to the bed the next morning. Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene.
Representatives of the late star have not yet commented on his death.
Following news of Simmons’ death, his brother Lenny urged fans to celebrate his brother’s life rather than mourn him.
He told PEOPLE, “I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want people to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He genuinely cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.”
At the time of his death, Simmons had been out of the public spotlight for nearly a decade, but he spoke to PEOPLE two days before his death.
The late star said in the interview, “I feel good!” “I’m grateful that I’m here, that I’m alive for another day. I’m going to spend my birthday doing what I do every day, that is, helping people.”
Funeral and memorial plans for Richard Simmons have not yet been announced.
