Swedish EDM DJ Avicii has died at the age of 28, according to a statement released by his publicist on Friday. Born Tim Bergling, Avicii was known for hits such as “Le7els,” “Wake Me Up!,” ”The Days” and “You Make Me.”
In 2016, at the age of 26, Avicii announced he was retiring from live performances after a public battle with poor health. In 2014, the DJ had his gallbladder and appendix removed and had been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis due in part to excessive alcohol consumption.
“To me it was something I had to do for my health,” he said in a letter announcing his decision, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “The scene was not for me. It was not the shows and not the music. It was always the other stuff surrounding it that never came naturally to me. All the other parts of being an artist. I’m more of an introverted person in general. It was always very hard for me. I took on board too much negative energy, I think.”
Cause of death for the 28-year-old has yet to be released.
“The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time,” the statement said.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Image via Wikimedia Commons/GlobalGrindTV