Richard Simmons, fitness icon, dead at 76

“Work hard, take care of yourself, and you’ll be just fine.”

— Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons was born on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Who could have guessed that the he, as a chubby child, would make a name in the weight-loss industry, and inspire millions to embrace exercise.

Simmons has often mentioned how he was overweight as a child, and how that spurred him to embark on his inspirational fitness journey. Known for his boundless energy, eccentric personality, and signature flamboyant workout attire, Simmons became a beloved figure in the fitness world and a pop culture icon.

However, in recent years, Simmons grew reclusive, a stark contrast to the energetic fitness guru known by the masses.

How did Simmons die?

One moment he was thanking fans on social media for congratulating him on his 76th birthday, the next he had passed away. The Los Angeles Police Department found the fitness guru dead in his home after they’d taken a 911 call from his housekeeper.

According to his housekeeper, in an interview with PEOPLE, it was a heart attack because of the way his fists were clenched. “That’s why I know it was a heart attack. I had a heart attack a few years ago, and my hands did the same,” she said.

Simmon’s brother Lenny has since, in another interview with PEOPLE, revealed that the cause of death was an accident. The families spokesperson, Tom Estey, said that “the Coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor.”