Tim Bergling, the Swedish DJ known by his stage name Avicii, has passed away, his publicist confirmed. He was 28.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” his rep Diana Baron said in a statement. “He was found dead in Muscat, Oman, this Friday afternoon local time, April 20. 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.”
In 2016, the musician announced that he would retire from live performances due to health issues, citing a need “to make a change that I’d been struggling with for a while.”
“My choices and career have never been driven by material things, although I’m grateful for all the opportunities and comforts my success has availed me,” he wrote at the time. “I know I am blessed to be able to travel all around the world and perform, but I have too little left for the life of a real person behind the artist.”
The producer had his major breakthrough with his 2011 hit, “Levels,” working on other songs like “Wake Me Up” and “Hey Brother.”
He released two studio albums — one in 2013 and one in 2016. Avicii was ranked third on DJ Magazine’s annual Top 100 DJs in 2012 and 2013 and was nominated twice for a Grammy. In a statement on his website last year, the musician said he had begun work on another release.