Swedish DJ Avicii 'could not go on any longer,' family says

The statement appeared to suggest that the electronic dance musician and producer took his own life

Swedish musician, DJ, remixer and record producer Avicii (Tim Bergling) takes a selfie on Table Mountain, South Africa in this picture obtained from social media January 11, 2018. Instagram/Avicii via REUTERS     THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
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The family of Swedish DJ Avicii, who was found dead last week in Oman at the age of 28, said in a statement on Thursday that he struggled with life and "could not go on any longer."

In their first comment on his death, the cause of which has not been disclosed, the family said: "He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace."

The statement appeared to suggest that the electronic dance musician and producer took his own life. His US publicist, Diana Baron, declined to comment further.

Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was one of the biggest stars of electronic dance music (EDM). He was found dead in Muscat, Oman, last Friday but no cause of death was released.

Avicii, known for international hits such as Wake Me Up and Hey Brother, announced in 2016 that he was retiring from touring, citing the demands of the lifestyle.

"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," the family's statement said on Thursday.

"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," it added.

Avicii's death shocked the music world, particularly in Europe.

Church bells played one of Avicii's biggest hits in the Swedish capital Stockholm on Tuesday.

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Read more:

Avicii's former girlfriend Racquel Bettencourt pays emotional tribute to DJ after death in Oman

Avicii’s final hours: Fans recount meeting ‘full of life’ DJ in Oman hotel night before death

Avicii dies in Oman at 28: Dance pioneer rejigged life after touring took its toll on his health

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