The family of DJ Avicii, who died last week at the age of 28, have released a heartbreaking statement following his untimely death.
Avicii – real name Tim Bergling – was a world-famous artist with hits including Levels, Hey Brother, and Wake Me Up.
He was found dead in Muscat, Oman on Friday (April 20), leaving fans around the world in mourning.
A statement released by his reps reads:
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii. 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.
The family has now released a statement to Variety, which reads:
We would like to thank you for the support and the loving words about our son and brother. We are so grateful for everyone who loved Tim’s music and have precious memories of his songs.
Thank you for all the initiatives taken to honour Tim, with public gatherings, church bells ringing out his music, tributes at Coachella and moments of silence around the world.
We are grateful for the privacy during this difficult time. Our wish is that it continues that way. With love, the Tim Bergling Family
The cause of his death remains unknown but according to Sky News, a source said two post-mortem examinations have been conducted and there is ‘no criminal suspicion of death’.
Variety reported Avicii retired from live performing back in 2016 citing health reasons.
Although no cause of death has been announced, it is known that Avicii had suffered health problems for a number of years.
The performer reportedly suffered from acute pancreatitis, allegedly brought on by ‘heavy drinking’ and had both his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2016.
As news of his death broke, fans began paying their respects across the internet.
Fans were quick to spot the heartbreaking final tweet from the DJ, addressed to Billboard to thank them for the nomination of his album for best dance/electronic album of the year.
The tweet of thanks for the nominations has gained new poignancy in the wake of the news of his death.
Online tributes have been flooding in from his peers, colleagues and friends on social media, with big names such as Calvin Harris and Deadmau5 expressing their grief at his passing.
Last year, Avicii posted to his website a statement reading:
WE ALL REACH A POINT IN OUR LIVES AND CAREERS WHERE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT MATTERS THE MOST TO US.
For me it’s creating music. That is what I live for, what I feel I was born to do.
Last year I quit performing live, and many of you thought that was it. But the end of live never meant the end of Avicii or my music. Instead, I went back to the place where it all made sense – the studio.
The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new.
Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
On Sunday (April 22), David Guetta posted a video of him playing Avicii’s hit Wake Me Up to crowds of fans, with the caption: ‘Avicii is in our hearts forever.’
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Avicii at this hard time.
Rest in peace, Avicii.