Death of Avicii

Hector Diaz, Photographer

Two weeks ago on April 20, Swedish DJ Tim Bergling, better known as his stage name Avicii, was found dead while on vacation in Muscat, Oman. Bergling passed away at the age of 28 due to an unknown cause of death, leaving his family members and fans profoundly shocked. His unexpected death and unclear cause of death have left many fans speculating just what happened to Bergling that caused his untimely death

 

Downey junior student and Avicii fan Adrian Santana, 11, was shocked to find out that the Swedish DJ had passed away unexpectedly.

 

“At first I didn’t know if it was true or not, because it’s the internet; people will do these kind of things for views and attention. When I found out it was true, I was actually kinda sad,” Santana said. “I think his fans will be very shocked because he died very young and his death was very unexpected.”

 

Bergling had retired from touring and performing live back in 2016 after stating that it had taken a toll on his physical and mental health which he attributed to excessive partying and drinking. While retired from live performances, he continued to work on projects for other musicians as well as himself. In August 2017 Bergling released a new EP, or extended playlist, titled Avīci which served as the fourth EP released by Bergling. Later that year in September, a documentary titled Avicii: True Stories was announced, which would chronicle Bergling’s retirement from performing and featured interviews with previous colleagues such as Chris Martin from Coldplay and David Guetta.

 

Avicii fan and current senior Sebastian Valdivia, 12, felt that Bergling’s death was a tragic loss to the world of music.

 

“I liked Avicii’s music because of the lyrics, even though he didn’t write them, and the way the song really matched and connected with the singer,” Valdivia said. “I thought his death was a hoax at first, but when I found out it was true it was kinda upsetting because his music was meaningful and enjoyable.”

 

Although Bergling’s death was originally unknown, a statement from his family on April 26 concerning his health and mental issues and his longing for peace caused many fans to believe that Bergling had committed suicide. These speculations remained until May 1, when it was confirmed that the cause of death had been ruled a suicide, due to apparent self inflicted wounds. TMZ also reported that he had died of blood loss after he had cut himself with a broken wine bottle.

 

Downey track member and casual fan Javier Diaz, 10, thought that Bergling’s apparent suicide was even more saddening and emotional to his early demise.

 

“The pain he felt must’ve been really intense for him to decide that suicide was a means of escape,” Diaz said. “I don’t know if it was his first idea or if he felt like he was trapped, but it’s a sad thing to hear when someone well known and loved by many takes their own life.”

 

While investigations are being made into the final hours of Bergling’s life, fans and music lovers are left with his upbeat and wonderful music to continue enjoying. Although Avicii may be gone, his music and legacy will remain and his fans and family will continue to carry on his memory and the joy he brought to people with his music.