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Richard Simmons’ grave heaped with pink roses after he is laid to rest… amid police probe into fitness guru’s final hours

BBG News

As a seasoned journalist, I have come across numerous lives that have left indelible marks on me. Among them is the inspiring story of Jack LaLanne, the fitness icon who defied age and adversity to touch the lives of millions.

After being laid to rest this week, Richard Simmons’ grave was adorned with a mound of pink roses, as captured in these exclusive images from DailyMail.com.

On the evening of July 12, at the age of 76, he unfortunately passed away at his residence in Los Angeles following a fall in his bathroom. The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, July 13.

An investigation by the police is underway regarding the events leading up to his death, and they have not yet made public how he passed away.

Simmons was laid to rest at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, an esteemed final resting place also chosen by notables like Kirk Douglas and Marilyn Monroe.

On Friday, a massive pile of roses covered his tombstone as a heartfelt tribute to him.

Simmons, labeled as a “motivator for good health” on his death record, now lies in rest among esteemed entertainment industry personalities at Pierce Brothers.

Among the famous figures laid to rest at the cemetery are Natalie Wood from “Splendor in the Grass,” Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, and Dean Martin, a renowned Rat Pack singer.

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, along with Roy Orbison from the world of pop music and Truman Capote, the renowned author of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” are all present in this gathering.

At Pierce Brothers, the final resting places of beloved sitcom stars Don Knotts, Doris Roberts, Eva Gabor, and Florence Henderson can be found, as well as film icons Burt Lancaster and George C. Scott.

At Resting Places: Icons such as the cherished comedian Rodney Dangerfield, the alluring Farrah Fawcett from Charlie’s Angels, and legendary jazz artists Peggy Lee and Mel Tormé are buried.

Since the late 1800s, the cemetery, where both common people and notable figures rest, has gone by different names.

According to TMZ, the death certificate for Simmons does not specify how he passed away as the investigation into his cause of death is ongoing.

I was a devoted fan of the TV celebrity whose public appearances became less frequent towards the end of his career. At the moment of his unfortunate passing, he remained unmarried.

He never commented publicly on his sexuality but was a revered gay icon. 

According to a law enforcement insider who spoke to PEOPLE on Thursday, the LAPD is currently treating the investigation in a non-suspicious manner.

The Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed on Monday that Simmons’ initial cause of death was under investigation by the police.

It was announced via a statement that Simmons had died of ‘apparent natural causes.’

On the morning of July 13, 2024, at 9:55 AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) received a call about a suspected deceased person located at the 1300 block of North Belfast Drive. LAFD Captain Erik Scott confirmed this information to Entertainment Tonight.

When the rescue ambulance arrived, they found a 76-year-old man who had passed away at the scene, as confirmed by the firefighters and paramedics. Therefore, it wasn’t necessary to take him to the hospital.

Emergency responders, including police officers and firefighters, were sent to Simmons’ residence in Los Angeles following a phone call from his housekeeping staff.

Simmons was found dead just one day after he celebrated his 76th birthday.

On Monday, police authorities informed PEOPLE that an in-depth investigation is ongoing into Simmons’ death. The Medical Examiner postponed the case, requiring additional examinations and tests, as reported by the publication.

An examination may last for up to three months before a final decision is made and reported.

According to the report, authorities declared that Simmons had passed away at the scene, and there were no indications of foul play in relation to his death. The investigation would proceed with the assumption that it was a natural cause.

The LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division team was dispatched to the scene because a prominent individual had passed away, according to reports.

After speaking with the police, the news outlet was informed that Simmons had slipped in his bathroom at home on his 76th birthday, which was on a Friday. His housekeeper tried to encourage him to go to the hospital right away.

Simmons refused, as it was his birthday and he preferred staying home instead of going out. He mentioned possibly going out on Saturday. The housekeeper assisted him in returning safely to his bedroom. She discovered him lying on the floor in his room around 10 a.m. the following morning, according to reports.

According to one informant, Simmons expressed feeling lightheaded before collapsing, whereas another source noted that Simmons appeared unharmed following the fall with no apparent injuries observable.

It was not immediately clear if the fall and feelings of dizziness were connected to his death.

In an emotional interview given to People only two days before my passing, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to my devoted followers for their unwavering support and love.

At the end of the interview, the fitness expert was informed by the media outlet that he had been “noticed with enthusiasm” after being less visible for the past ten years. They then inquired if he was aware of the deep-rooted affection his fans held towards him.

“People seem to notice my absence,” Simmons shared with the media. “And the truth is, I do yearn for their company as well. Fortunately, I can stay connected with them using phone calls and emails.”

In his last interview, Simmons shared that he had come into the limelight while keeping his identity hidden from the public.

‘I do leave the house sometimes,’ Simmons said. ‘But I’m in disguise.’

Before his death, Simmons gave an interview for the first time since 2014 – a year marked by his withdrawal from public life. (Or) In 2014, Simmons last conducted a public interview, as reported by the outlet leading up to his passing.

For more than a decade, I’ve been known for my work in the fitness industry, from owning studios to writing books and creating weight loss programs and videos. Born and raised in New Orleans, I’ve been a familiar face on television. However, recently, I’ve gone quiet and stopped making public appearances, leaving many wondering about my safety and well-being.

Based on my sources, the late celebrity chose to retreat from the limelight due to a knee operation he had undergone. However, there was another recommended surgery for his knee that he declined.

On Thursdays interview with People, Simmons shared that he experienced a suspicious skin growth which required removal through a medical procedure earlier in the year, raising concerns of skin cancer.

‘Basal cell carcinoma, it was scary,’ Simmons said of the ailment. ‘But it never came back.’

Simmons shared with the media that his goal was to bring hope and encouragement to people facing similar health challenges as him.

“A large number of individuals are diagnosed with cancer, according to Simmons. To these people, I offer words of encouragement and song: ‘You will make it. Keep faith in that.'”

In the past few months, Simmons has been working together with composer Patrick Leonard on creating a musical.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve penned fourteen captivating tunes for a Broadway production. It’s an honor to be part of this creative journey. Furthermore, I’m collaborating with a truly remarkable artist, Patrick Leonard. His name might not ring a bell for everyone, but trust me, his resume is impressive: he’s the musical genius behind hits for Madonna and Elton John, just to name a few. Working alongside him is an enriching experience that I cherish every day.

We chat a few times weekly. I pen down the lyrics, while he composes the tunes. Our production encompasses my life story – from my childhood days hawking pralines in New Orleans, to my decision to call it quits.

Simmons started becoming more active in the public eye again this year, using platforms like X/Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for communication, as well as exchanging emails with his fans.

On Thursday, he shared with the crowd, “Today is a lovely day. However, nothing particularly new transpired. I woke up, recited my prayers, reflected on my blessings, and proceeded to work.”

Based on the given text, it seems that this person is sharing their daily routine and the satisfaction they derive from communicating with others through various means such as messages and emails. When the need arises, they take it a step further by asking for phone numbers and making calls to provide additional assistance. This experience brings them joy and fulfillment as they are able to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

On Saturday, he made his last post on social media, sharing a line from the 1968 musical comedy “Funny Girl” as a quote.

Simmons shared with the media that he valued his quiet connections with fans based on the impact he made in helping and motivating people.

When Simmons chose to retire, his body gave him the signal it was time. Since then, he has taken some time for introspection, looking back on all the books he authored and the videos he produced.

‘I never was like, “Oh look what I’ve done.” My thing was, “Oh, look how many people I helped.”‘

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2024-07-20 06:20

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