Avicii's Cause Of Death Ruled As Apparent Suicide

Avicii "Hey Brother" Music Video

Some tragic developments have been uncovered in the death of Tim Berling, better known as the famous Swedish DJ Avicii. When the young musician died last Friday in Muscat, Omen, the cause of death was unknown. But in a new statement released by the late artist's mourning family, it was strongly hinted the death was ruled as an apparent suicide. He was 28. They claimed Berling "could not go on any longer."

Here's the family statement (via Metro), which was translated from Swedish to English.

Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An overachieving perfectionist who traveled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress. 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. He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace.

While suicide is not directly mentioned in the transcribed text, Variety claims the original Swedish text made "the implication more overt," according to their Swedish source.

Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight. Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive. We love you.

As it was reported in the original story, the family was "devastated" by the news and asked for privacy during their grieving period. Avicii was on vacation when he passed away in his hotel room, and it was believed that the musician's death was related to his series of health problems, which were made severe from his history of excessive drinking. His health problems resulted in his gallbladder and his appendix being removed due to his pancreatitis. His health concerns also resulted in him retiring from touring in 2016, a decision the DJ admitted was very hard. Avicii hasn't been silent about his struggles, but his unexpected death remains devastating and heartbreaking for fans everywhere. The official cause of death has not been publicly announced, and there is no suspicion of criminal activity in his death.

This statement is the second released by the musician's family. On Monday, they also released the following response only a few short days after Avicii's death.

We would like to thank you for the support and the loving words about our son and brother. We are so grateful for everyone who loved Tim's music and have precious memories of his songs. Thank you for all the initiatives taken to honor Tim, with public gatherings, church bells ringing out his music, tributes at Coachella and moments of silence around the world. We are grateful for the privacy during this difficult time. Our wish is that it continues that way. With love.

We send our condolences to Avicii's family during this difficult time.

Will Ashton

Will is an entertainment writer based in Pittsburgh, PA. His writing can also be found in The Playlist, Cut Print Film, We Got This Covered, The Young Folks, Slate and other outlets. He also co-hosts the weekly film/TV podcast Cinemaholics with Jon Negroni and he likes to think he's a professional Garfield enthusiast.