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New family statement suggests that Avicii took his own life

By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 27 April 2018

The family of Avicii – real name Tim Bergling – have issued a new statement suggesting that he took his own life.

Bergling was found dead in his hotel room at the Muscat Hills Resort in Oman, where he had been holidaying with friends, last week. Although his family do not specifically state how he died, they say that “he could not go on any longer” and that “he wanted to find peace”.

“Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions”, they say. “An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress. When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music”.

“He really struggled with thoughts about meaning, life, happiness”, they continue. “He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace. Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight”.

Beginning his career as a teenager, Bergling quickly became one of the highest paid live performers in EDM. At his busiest he was playing up to 250 shows a year around the world. He retired from live performance in 2016 due to health concerns, in part caused by excessive drinking.

At the time of his death, aged just 28, he was working on a new album.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, Mind offers information and support on this and other topics relating to mental wellbeing. You can also contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or music industry-specific helpline Music Support on 0800 030 6789.