By LAUREN KASZUBA
Staff Writer
DJ Tim Bergling, better known as Avicii, was found dead on April 20 near Muscat, Oman. While the cause of death was not immediately released, six days following his death, Bergling’s family had announced in an open letter that the cause of death was suicide. They had mentioned the DJ had struggled with mental and physical health issues.
“He really struggled with thoughts about meaning, life, happiness. He could not go on any longer,” Bergling’s family stated in the letter. “He wanted to find peace.”
Starting his DJ career at the age of 16, Avicii rose to prominence in 2011 with his single, “Levels.” His debut studio album “True,” included the extremely popular single “Wake Me Up,” which landed at number four on the charts in the US and sold over a million copies in the UK. Collaborating with artists such as Rita Ora, Coldplay, and Major Lazer, he worked on his music immensely while maintaining an intense touring schedule.
Due to physical health problems, Avicii retired from touring in 2016, arguably a time where he was at the peak of popularity. His family said this decision came from a desire “to find a balance in life, to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music.” It was also said that he struggled from health and alcohol issues. The DJ spoke publicly about his health problems and pressure from his management in his 2017 documentary, “Avicii: True Stories.” In the documentary, the DJ is seen working from his hospital bed.
After making the changes to his life, Avicii appeared to be more positive. “The lifestyle he was living, everywhere he went was this massive party,” says collaborator and Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger. “But he seemed like he was achieving the balance he was trying to attain.”
Various musicians and DJ’s took to Twitter to remember Avicii after the news of his death broke.
DJ 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.” Singer Dua Lipa tweeted, “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.”
His last album, “Avici (01),” features the hit single “Lonely Together (feat. Rita Ora).”
Rest in paradise, Avicii. You will be forever missed.
