How did Avicii die? He was under ‘extreme stress’ during his last days in Oman

On January 3, 2025By Littum

If you were anywhere near a dance floor between 2011 and 2018, you’ve heard Avicii’s music. Now, years after his passing, fans of the Swedish producer and DJ are ready for a more intimate look at his life with Netflix’s Avicii – I’m Tim. But ahead of the documentary, many are still questioning: what was Avicii’s cause of death?

Avicii, born Tim Bergling, transformed electronic dance music through chart topping hits such as “Wake Me Up”, “Levels” and “Hey Brother”. From humble beginnings making music in his bedroom in Stockholm to headlining major festivals worldwide, Avicii’s rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. At the age of 16, Bergling had already posted his remixes on electronic music forums.

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His breakthrough came in 2011 with “Levels”, an instant club classic that sampled Etta James and earned him international recognition. But it was his 2013 album, genuinethat really showed his innovative spirit, mixing EDM with unexpected genres like bluegrass and folk music. The result was “Wake Me Up”, featuring Aloe Blacc’s vocals, which topped the charts in over 20 countries.

Despite his commercial success – which included Grammy nominations, hundreds of live shows and collaborations with everyone from Madonna to Coldplay – Bergling struggled with life in the spotlight, and his unexpected death in 2018 would shock fans and fellow musicians alike.

What was Avicii’s cause of death?

Bergling was found dead on 20 April 2018 near Muscat, Oman, where he had been on holiday. He was 28 years old. Omani police initially reported “no criminal suspicion” or evidence of foul play in the death.

On 1 May 2018 TMZ reported that the cause of death was suicide due to self-inflicted injuries with a broken wine bottle, with Bergling ultimately dying of blood loss. His family later held a private funeral and he was buried on 8 June 2018 at Skogskyrkogården cemetery in Stockholm.

In the days following his death, his family released a statement that offered a deeper insight into his personal struggles. “Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An over-the-top perfectionist who traveled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress,” their statement read. “When he stopped to tour, he wanted to find a balance in life to be able to do what he loved most – music. He really struggled with thoughts of meaning, life, happiness. He couldn’t go on peace.”

Their statement continued: “Tim was not cut out for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the limelight. Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were , and your music will keep your memory alive.”

The years before his death had shown signs of increasing pressure. In 2016, Avicii surprised fans by announcing his retirement from touring. He had been open about his health challenges, including acute pancreatitis, which doctors attributed in part to excessive drinking. His grueling touring schedule – sometimes 250 shows a year – had taken a toll on both his physical and mental health.

The documentary from 2017 Avicii: True Storiesreleased just months before his death, revealed the intense pressure he faced. Footage showed him working from hospital beds and struggling with the demands of constant touring. Despite stepping back from live performances, he continued to produce music and released the EP “Avīci (01)” in 2017.

After his death, his family established the Tim Bergling Foundation, which works with mental health and suicide prevention organizations. His final recordings were released posthumously in 2019 on the album HOURSwhere the profit goes to the fund. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Imagine Dragons and Aloe Blacc, the album showcases the spirit that made him a pioneer in electronic music.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental crisis, there is help available. Call to Suicide and crisis lifeline on 988 for free and confidential advice.

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