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Richard Simmons' family 'beyond grateful' for outpouring of love following his death. The celebrity weight-loss instructor passed away in his Los Angeles home on Saturday 13 July, one day after his 76th birthday. The cause of death is currently being investigated. On Tuesday, the star's longtime publicist Tom Estey issued a statement to People on behalf of his family. ”The Simmons family is overwhelmed and beyond grateful for the outpouring of love shown to our beloved Dicky. He is up above smiling down at all of you.” "There will be no further comment from the family at this time other than to kindly ask the media to respect Richard's memory and grant us the time to grieve as we so desperately need to do.” Hours after news of the aerobics icon's death broke, his brother Lenny told the outlet that he wanted fans to "celebrate" the star who had been largely out of the public eye since 2014. ”I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people's lives. He truly cared about people.” “He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help. So don't be sad. Celebrate his life.” The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed on Monday that the fitness expert's cause of death was under investigation. The Medical Examiner's Office has deferred the case, which means an investigation and additional testing are required. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT