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Tim Bergling, known around the world as Avicii, has passed away at the youthful age of 28. The producer was abroad Friday when his death was announced via a statement from publicist Diana Baron which stated: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii. He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. 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.”

Bergling has previously had health issues – suffering from acute pancreatitis, partly due to excessive drinking, and a number of shows were cancelled in 2014 to aid in his recovery after having his gallbladder and appendix removed, later he made the decision to retire entirely from touring in 2016 – though it’s not known if any of these past issues were a cause.

Avicii rose to fame in 2011 when his progressive house track, ‘Levels‘, which samples Etta James hit No. 1 not only in his native country of Sweden, but also on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, as well as earning him a Grammy nomination. The song is considered by many to be one of the greatest EDM tracks of all-time. His debut studio album ‘True‘ was released in 2013 and featured the international hit ‘Wake Me Up‘ in collaboration with Aloe Blacc. His most recent EP ‘Avīci (01)‘ was released August of 2017 and Bergling has remained mostly quiet since, promising last year, “The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new.”

Fellow producers and the rest of the music community chimed in on social media in reaction to the news, with David Guetta stating on Instagram: “Something really horrible happened. We lost a friend with such a beautiful heart and the world lost an incredibly talented musician. Thank you for your beautiful melodies, the time we shared in the studio, playing together as djs or just enjoying life as friends. RIP @avicii.” Nile Rodgers wrote, “I’m crying on the airplane. I hope I don’t make the passengers nervous. #RIPAVICII.” Skrillex put a poignant statement out via Instagram along with a picture of the two. “The remix I did of ‘Levels’ hasn’t left my set since I mad it back in 2011. All though we weren’t “close friends” I feel this deep sadness through the connection we had through this song,” the producer wrote. “Tim was a truly a genius and an innovator, yet sensitive and humble. This industry can be rough and from a far I saw it take a tole on him. I just wish I could have hugged him more and told him it would be okay. You’re music will forever be apart of mine and so many other lives. Maybe that’s the closest thing we have to immortality. I really hope you’re essence, wherever it may be in the universe is now at piece. And if in some miracle you can see this, I hope you know that as long as human beings are alive on this planet, you will forever remain an inspiration. Thank you Tim. RIP.

Sarah Medeiros