Richard Simmons Death Mystery: Leading Forensic Expert Proposes Alarming New Theory on ‘What Actually Caused the Fitness Guru’s Death’ Following Discovery of Bruised and Scraped Body

Richard Simmons’ death was officially ruled as accidental, with the primary cause attributed to “blunt traumatic injuries” sustained in a fall. However, his passing, which occurred just a day after his 76th birthday, has been enveloped in mystery, largely due to the troubling details revealed in his autopsy report. The report disclosed that Simmons had numerous scrapes, bruises, and a fractured leg when he was found deceased.

Simmons, who had retreated from the public eye in 2014 following a successful career as a TV fitness instructor, was discovered dead at his Hollywood Hills home on July 13. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office released its findings on August 29, indicating that the injuries Simmons sustained were due to a “ground level fall” on an “unknown date,” with coronary heart disease listed as a contributing factor.

The autopsy report detailed extensive abrasions and contusions across Simmons’ body, including a “palpable fracture” to his left femur, or thighbone. These findings have led to considerable speculation and concern, prompting Sydtomarket.net to consult with a prominent forensic pathologist for further insight.

Dr. Ron Graeser, a retired forensic pathologist with experience as a medical examiner in Michigan, provided a critical perspective on the case. He questioned the extent to which Simmons’ injuries could have contributed to his death, suggesting that the injuries alone were not severe enough to have been fatal. Instead, Dr. Graeser attributed Simmons’ death primarily to natural causes related to severe coronary artery disease.

According to Dr. Graeser, Simmons had “terrible coronary arteries,” with the autopsy revealing that one artery was 80% blocked and another was 70% blocked. He characterized these as “horrible numbers” that could have led to severe cardiovascular symptoms, such as nausea and pain. Dr. Graeser theorized that Simmons may have experienced these symptoms, resulting in vomiting and subsequent falls that caused his fractures and other injuries.

Dr. Graeser hypothesized that Simmons might have vomited in bed, then attempted to move to the bathroom, resulting in the fall that broke his femur. He explained that such falls are common in elderly individuals due to weakened and brittle bones. The intense pain from the broken leg would have made it extremely difficult for Simmons to move, potentially leading to further injuries.

While the autopsy report showed abrasions and contusions, Dr. Graeser suggested that these were likely minor and not fatal in themselves. He noted that if the injuries had been severe enough to be the primary cause of death, there would have been significant internal damage, such as bleeding in the brain, chest, or abdomen, none of which was reported. Instead, Dr. Graeser emphasized that the fatal condition was more likely related to Simmons’ heart disease rather than the physical injuries.

In addition to the physical findings, Dr. Graeser also pointed out that the abrasions and bruises could have occurred as Simmons struggled with his heart condition. He speculated that the various injuries might have resulted from Simmons bumping into objects while disoriented from his medical symptoms.

Despite Dr. Graeser’s analysis, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office has maintained its conclusion that Simmons’ death resulted from an accident exacerbated by his underlying heart condition. Dr. Graeser’s theory highlights that while Simmons’ injuries were significant, they were not sufficient on their own to cause death, reinforcing the idea that severe coronary artery disease was the primary factor in his passing.