Cause of death of fitness guru Richard Simmons announced

The cause of death of Richard Simmons has been announced.

The brother of the legendary weight-loss star, Lenny Simmons, announced on August 21 that the star had died from “complications resulting from falls and heart disease.”

The fitness guru who urged the masses to lose weight through more exercise and healthier eating died last month at the age of 76.

“This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny received a call from the Los Angeles coroner's office,” Simmons family spokesman Tom Estey said in a statement to PEOPLE. “The coroner advised Lenny that Richard's death was an accident due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing cause.”

“The toxicology report was negative, apart from the medications prescribed for Richard. The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support during this time of great loss.”

Simmons died on July 13, one day after his 76th birthday, reportedly in a fall in his home. His housekeeper found him dead next to his bed.

He reportedly had a headache before the fall, but did not seek medical attention because he wanted to stay home on his birthday.

Although Los Angeles police said Simmons' death was not related to foul play, the cause of death was initially delayed until additional investigations were completed, according to PEOPLE.

In March, Simmons announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 75. On Facebook, he shared tips on how to stay healthy: “Every day you live, you have to move. Whether you're standing or sitting, you have to move your body every day. Start with stretching exercises, then cardio and strength training.”

“There's one more very important thing you need to do,” he concluded. “Tell the people you love that you love them. Hug the people and children you really care about. A big hug can really go a long way. If you have time, I want you to listen to a great song. It's by Tim McGraw and it's called 'Live Like You Were Dying.' Live today and don't forget to pray.”

The “Sweatin' to the Oldies” star gave an interview with People last week, just before his birthday on July 12, and said, “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, which is helping people.”

“But the candle will probably be on a zucchini,” Simmons told People. “You know, I'm a vegetarian.”