Avicii’s Family Issues Second Statement, Implies Suicide: ‘He Could Not Go on Any Longer’
The family of Tim Bergling, the Swedish dance music star known as Avicii, who died on April 20 at age 28, have released a second statement, three days after their first. It is unclear what the message means, although it implies that he took his own life. A rep did not immediately reply to Variety‘s request for clarification, however the statement’s original wording in Swedish makes the implication more overt, one Swedish-speaking source says. A police report is expected in the coming days. The message reads:
Stockholm, 26 April 2018
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Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions.
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.
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.
Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed.
The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive.We love you,
Your family
In their statement issued Monday, the family said:
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 honor 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
Bergling was found dead in his hotel room in Oman, the Middle Eastern country bordering Saudi Arabia. The cause of death has not been announced.
One of the most popular and successful electronic dance-music artists of all time — he scored a No. 4 hit on the Billboard 200 in 2013 with “Wake Me Up” and regularly appeared in the Top 5 of Forbes’ “Highest-Paid DJs” lists — he retired from live performing in 2016 at the peak of his success, citing health reasons. He had suffered from health problems for several years, including acute pancreatitis, in part due to excessive drinking; he had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014. While he said he’d quit drinking after the surgery, some friends, including musical collaborator Nile Rodgers, said they’d seen him intoxicated afterward, and criticizing himself for it.
According to reports, sources within the Oman police department have said they have “no criminal suspicion” in the Friday death. Two post-mortem examinations have been conducted, with authorities ruling out foul play.
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