Like any case of a celebrity death, especially in the case of a young star, the story on everybody’s lips this weekend is the passing of Swedish EDM DJ Avicii has everybody asking the same question.
How did he die?
It’s brutal. But we’re human. And we should probably bear that in mind before we beat each other up about something which is a massive taboo in the Western world. We’re curious creatures.
Police in Oman, where the DJ – real name Tim Bergling – died, have now broken their silence in relation to the musician’s death, following the statement yesterday from Avicii’s representatives saying no further statements would be made by them on the matter.
This new development brings a ray of light in an extremely difficult time for fans who would want to know more about their beloved star who was notoriously private about his personal life.
NDTV reports a source from the Oman Royal Police told AFP under the condition of anonymity:
Two autopsies were carried out, one yesterday and one today and we absolutely confirmed that there is no criminal suspicion in the death.
We have all the information and details regarding the death and this incident.
The source added the police would not be making any public statement on the case.
Avicii retired from performing in 2016 citing health reasons which, despite his private nature, was publicly known.
The performer reportedly suffered from acute pancreatitis, Variety reported, alleged to have been brought on by ‘heavy drinking’, and he had both his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2016.
Following Avicii’s death, fans quickly spotted the last post he made to Twitter was a thank you for the nomination of his album in the Billboard Music Awards 2018 in the ‘Top Dance/Electronic Album’, for his six-track EP Avīci (01).
The sign of gratitude from the star gained new poignancy in the wake of his passing at 28 years old.
Posts quickly flooded social media from friends and fellow musicians rocked by the news.
Calvin Harris wrote:
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
Deadmau5 echoed the sentiment, writing:
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 I’m very proud of him.
Avicii’s huge global success was known by many to have been built on an intense work schedule, which included excessive touring and alcohol consumption.
His fellow DJ friend Laidback Luke – Lucas Cornelis van Scheppingen – spoke about Avicii’s stresses in 2016, predicting the artist’s death would take place in his late twenties.
The Dutch-Filipino DJ and producer wrote an op-ed in Billboard saying:
The first few years of heavy touring can have a major impact on a person’s life, health and sanity.
DJs on tour average about four hours of sleep per night, and with drinking, afterparties, adulation and everything that comes with it, it’s easy to lose oneself.
Our thoughts are with Tim’s family, friends and fans around the world.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Tim Horner is a sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated with a BA Journalism from University College Falmouth before most his colleagues were born. A previous editor of adult mags, he now enjoys bringing the tone down in the viral news sector.