Tim Bergling, better known to fans around the world as Swedish DJ Avicii, is no longer with us. As it was tragically revealed, the musician was found dead in Muscat, Oman on Friday afternoon. He was 28. The cause of death is not yet publically known, though Avicii was dealing with severe health problems before he passed. These health problems were intense enough that the young DJ completely retired from touring altogether in early 2016.
Billboard revealed the tragic news. In a statement, Avicii's publicist Diana Baron said the following about the late DJ.
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii... The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.
Avicii grew to prominence in the late '00s when he released some of his music on Laidback Luke Forum, an online platform where DJs and producers post their music and seek feedback from their peers. He broke out internationally in 2011, however, with the single "Levels," which became a number one hit in his home country, Sweden, and it earned him recognition, a spot on the Billboard chart and a Grammy nomination in the United States. The DJ is also well-known for tracks like "Sunshine," "Wake Me Up!," "I Could Be The One," "Addicted To You," "Lonely Together" and, perhaps most prominently, "Hey Brother," among others. Avicii released two studio albums, True in 2013 and Stories in 2015. In 2017, the DJ also released the EP Avici (01). He eventually became the first electronic DJ/producer to ever headline at the historic and prestigious Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The police in Oman claim there is no suspicion of criminal activity in Avicii's death, according to NDTV. The musician was reportedly on vacation when he was found deceased. The late DJ was open about his struggles and the health problems in his life, including his pancreatitis a few years earlier, which resulted in part from his excessive drinking. His disease resulted in his gallbladder and his appendix being removed. These health concerns kept him from the touring lifestyle, which is why he announced in 2016 that he would retire from that part of his career, and admitted it was a hard decision.
The music community is devastated by this shocking and heartbreaking news. Throughout the day, music producers and fans of Avicii went onto social media to post their own tributes and fond memories of the late musician. Many of them commend not only his talents but his loving, passionate soul.
Above all else, it is tragic that Avicii left this world so soon. It's evident that, though he wasn't touring, the DJ still had many years of music left in him. Many fans extended their heartfelt condolences to his family during this sad time.
Others also took a moment to share their memories of Avicii from his brief life and reflect on the short time they had with him.
Our thoughts and condolences are extended to Avicii's family, friends and loved ones during this tragic time.
