Swedish deejay and producer Avicii — born Tim Bergling — died Friday in Muscat, Oman at 28 years old
Time
Avicii(Photo: Amy Sussman, AP)
Swedish electronic dance music DJ Avicii, 28, died Friday afternoon in the Persian Gulf nation of Oman, according to a statement from his representative.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” reads the statement from Diana Baron, per Variety and Billboard. “He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. 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.”
While the cause of his death is unknown, Bergling struggled with medical issues over the years following his hospitalization in January 2012 for acute pancreatitis, causing a string of show cancellations that culminated with him having his gall bladder and appendix removed in 2014.
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Avicii found worldwide success with tracks like Wake Me Up and Levels, before retiring from touring in 2016, citing health reasons.
However, the DJ still stayed active in the studio, releasing his final EP AVĪCI (01) in 2017. Days before his death, he celebrated AVĪCI (01)‘s nomination for a Billboard Music Award for top dance/electronic album, thanking the BBMAs on Twitter.
Born Tim Bergling, he adopted the stage name Avicii after hearing it mentioned by a friend. In a video interview with VEVO Lift, he explained the story behind his stage name. “The name Avici means the lowest level of Buddhist hell,” adding that he’d tacked on an extra ‘i’ because when he tried to claim the name on MySpace, it was already taken.
EDM community mourns
After the news broke of his death Friday afternoon, musicians mourned his death on social media, sharing messages of shock and grief.
“Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim,” wrote Calvin Harris, while Marshmello shared, “At a loss for words…Rest easy brother.”
“My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii,” Deadmau5 tweeted. “Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and I’m very proud of him.”
USA TODAY has contacted Bergling’s representatives for comment.
Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x
— Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) April 20, 2018
Rest in peace, Avicii.
We lost a legend.— DJ SNAKE (@djsnake) April 20, 2018
my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii 🙁 Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and im very proud of him.
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) April 20, 2018
Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii very very sad news way to young … what a talent he was. rest in peace x
— Liam (@LiamPayne) April 20, 2018
Tim, I can’t believe what I just heard, you have gone way to early, there are no words to describe how I feel, I am thankful for all the great moments we got to spent together; and thankful for all the things I got to learn from you. The world will miss you.❤️ ~ R.I.P Avicii pic.twitter.com/HR3JvWGs9k
— Nicky Romero (@nickyromero) April 20, 2018
At a loss for words…Rest easy brother ? @Avicii
— marshmello (@marshmellomusic) April 20, 2018
Can’t really describe in words how sad I feel right now.. thank you for inspiring me and millions others. RIP @Avicii ?❤ pic.twitter.com/nthXoCiZqy
— MARTIN GARRIX (@MartinGarrix) April 20, 2018
Words can not describe how I feel right now..I am gonna miss you brother ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AjBgXi5gVR
— Tiësto (@tiesto) April 20, 2018
My brother I miss u pic.twitter.com/vLvswCG9iP
— Azukita Aoki (@steveaoki) April 20, 2018
Can’t believe this, I’m gonna miss you so bad. From your first show where we played together, to all the amazing memories we shared. Thank you for changing the world with your amazing music and for being such an inspiration. I’m gonna miss you brother, until we meet again! ❤ pic.twitter.com/FjJyLA5Ohc
— Hardwell (@HARDWELL) April 20, 2018
Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) April 20, 2018
I have no words.. RIP Tim ?
— Eric Prydz (@ericprydz) April 20, 2018
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