The Death of Avicii, 6 Years Later: What Happened to the DJ and How He's Remembered Today

Mar. 15, 2025

DJ Avicii spins at Marquee on June 17, 2010 in New York City.Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Born in Stockholm as Tim Bergling, Avicii began releasing electronic dance music in 2008. Within three years, he had risen to international fame — earning a Grammy nomination in 2012 for his collaboration on the David Guetta track “Sunshine” and another in 2013 for his iconic club hit “Levels.” Avicii continued to producechart-topping hits— like his 2013 single “Wake Me Up,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 100 — and work at an exhausting pace, embarking on three global tours in the span of three years.

Despite his success, the demands of Avicii’s careertook a toll on his well-being: The hitmaker had a series of health problems over the years, including a bout with acute pancreatitis and surgery to have his gallbladder and appendix removed. He also struggled with anxiety and used alcohol to cope, according to a 2013 interview withGQ. In March 2016, Avicii hit a breaking point — and decided to retire from touring to focus on creating music and repairing his health.

“I’m tired, really tired,” he told PEOPLE in 2013. “I’ve been at it since I was 17, 18 years old … touring pretty much nonstop, 300 shows a year. It’s been very hectic … I need a break.”

Now, a new pair of documentaries from Netflix will provide fans a never-before-seen glimpse into the life and death of Avicii — as well as the last show the superstar DJ ever performed, at Ibiza’s Ushuaïa in August 2016. TitledAvicii: I’m TimandAvicii: My Last Show, the two documentaries began streaming globally on Dec. 31.

Here’s a closer look at the end of Avicii’s life, from his shocking death to the powerful legacy he left behind.

How did Avicii die?

Tim Bergling aka Avicii in ‘Avicii — I’m Tim’.Courtesy of Netflix

Courtesy of Netflix

“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,” the statement continued. “He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace.”

Prior to the release of the letter, local authorities were able to rule out foul play. This led many to assume that the Swedish DJ’s previous health struggles — including acute pancreatitis, gallbladder and appendix surgery, alcohol abuse and exhaustion — were to blame. Avicii’s rep provided an initial statement that only confirmed the loss of the popular musician.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” his rep shared at the time. “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.”

When did Avicii die?

DJ Avicii performs at Wynn Las Vegas @ Park City Live! during the 2013 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2013 in Park City, Utah.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Avicii was found dead in the afternoon hours of April 20, 2018, according to a statement from his rep.

His tragic death came two years after he announced his retirement from touring in March 2016. The announcement shocked his fans, but Avicii felt the move was necessary toprotect his physical and mental well-being, according to a 2016 interview withThe Hollywood Reporter.

“To me it was something I had to do for my health,” the Swedish artist said about his decision to stop touring. “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.”

Where did Avicii die?

Muscat, Oman.Edwin Remsberg / VWPics via AP

Edwin Remsberg / VWPics via AP

He arrived in the country on April 8 to visit with friends in the country’s royal family,Rolling Stonereported. During his vacation, he stayed at the Muscat Hills Resort, where he “seemed to be in good spirits,” according to a statement from the hotel. During his stay, Avicii went kite-surfing, sailed with friends andposed for photos with fans. A local DJ, Matrai Joshi, was spinning at the resort and recalled meeting the global star.

“He told me he liked Oman so much that he would extend his journey and stay for a few days extra,” Joshi reportedly told the Swedish news siteExpressen.

Prior to his trip, Avicii had been working on new music with singer-songwriter Joe Janiak at his home studio in Los Angeles. They spent weeks writing a batch of new songs, working until the day before Avicii left for Oman. According to Janiak’s account, Avicii promised to reach out upon his return.

“He was trying to take charge of his life,” Janiak toldRolling Stone. “He seemed pumped. That’s the shocking thing. He didn’t seem like a guy at the end of his days.”

Avicii’s own father, Klas Bergling, didn’t believe that his son traveled to Oman with the intention of killing himself.

“Our theory is not that he planned this suicide— more that it was like a traffic accident,” Bergling toldCNNin a 2019 interview. “Many things happened and came into the same station, so to say, and brought him out of his control.”

He continued, “Small things can make you sad or move your balance and I think this is what happened.”

How old was Avicii when he died?

Avicii attends Volvo Cars and Avicii Feeling Good About The Future on May 7, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.Michael Kovac/Getty Images

When he died, Avicii was only 28 years old. However, according to those closest to him, the demands of his DJ career and being a celebrityaged him “significantly."

“2015 was the last time I saw him face to face, and I remember there wasn’t much Tim left,” DJ Laidback Luke, who mentored Avicii, told PEOPLE after his death. “Tim looked to me kind of like a zombie. He had aged significantly. When I saw him perform, it was as if he wasn’t in touch with life anymore.”

What were Avicii’s last words?

DJ Avicii performs onstage during Rolling Stone Live SF with Talent Resources on February 7, 2016 in San Francisco, California.Rich Polk/Getty

In the final years of his life, Aviciikept a series of journal entriesthat shed light on the DJ’s inner demons and health struggles. Excerpts from his journal, as well as interviews with his parents, friends and colleagues, were included in Måns Mosesson’s 2021 bookTim —The Official Biography of Avicii.

What was the public reaction to Avicii’s death?

Madonna and Avicii perform at Ultra Music Festival 14 at Bayfront Park Amphitheater on March 24, 2012 in Miami, Florida.Jason Nevader/WireImage

Jason Nevader/WireImage

Themusic community was left in mourningafter the devastating news of Avicii’s death. In the hours and days that followed, there was an outpouring of sorrow and tributes from musicians and producers, such asCalvin Harris,Zedd, Tiësto,Charlie PuthandMadonna.

“Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x,” Harris wrote X (formerly Twitter), while Puth’s read, “Wow, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the man who really opened my eyes as to what my productions could one day sound like. @Avicii was a genius and a music innovator, and I can not believe he is no longer with us. RIP to the very best.”

Avicii’s death was alsomourned on stage at Coachella, as the second weekend of the music festival had kicked off just hours after he died. Fellow DJ Kygo took the main stage on the night of April 20 and ended his set with an emotional tribute to the late star and his “favorite” Avicii song, the 2017 hit “Without You.”

“Coachella, I think most of you guys have heard but today is a very sad day for music,” Kygo said to the crowds. “Earlier today I got the news that Avicii passed away at only 28 years old. Avicii was my biggest musical inspiration and he was the reason I started making electronic music so I don’t think I would’ve been on this stage tonight if it wasn’t for him. I know he’s inspired millions of other producers out there.”

He added, “In honor of Avicii I want you to dance and sing along and let’s celebrate the life of a true musical genius.”

Was Avicii in a relationship when he died?

DJ Avicii with girlfriend Tereza Kačerová.Tereza Kačerová/Instagram

Tereza Kačerová/Instagram

Avicii was dating Czech model Tereza Kačerová at the time of his death, though the two kept their relationship out of the spotlight.

After his suicide, however, Kačerová offered the world a peek into their private relationship whenshe posted several emotional tributesto the late DJ on herInstagrampage. One of the posts shared a montage of photos of Avicii, Kačerová and her young son Luka — and revealed that the couple had discussed being a family and even picked out names for future children.

“The brightest stars burn out the fastest,” Kačerová captioned the photo series.

In a follow-up post, Kačerová penned a heartfelt letter to Avicii where she opened up more about their relationship and her devastating loss.

“Dear Tim, I’ve spent the last days waiting to wake up, waiting for someone to tell me that this is some sick joke, some awful mistake. I think it’s finally settling on me now that I will truly never get to see you again,” Kačerová began.

Kačerová concluded her heartbreaking letter with a reference to Thomas Edison’s last words.

“I read that before he died, Thomas Edison came out of a coma, looked upwards and said ‘it is very beautiful up there,’ ” the model wrote. “Take comfort in that. REST IN PEACE, TIN. Try to come back to Earth soon so that you and Luka can play together again. Love, Tereza.”

What legacy did Avicii leave behind?

Avicii’s memory lives on in both the music and mental health communities — and where the two intersect.

“Avicii has quite rightly been celebrated as one of the greatest DJs of all time and as an important artist who made massively successful records,” Nile Rodgers, one of Avicii’s collaborators, said in a statement toRolling Stone. “He was a melodic beast who has not as yet had the recognition he deserves for his extraordinary talent.”

Avicii’s influence on the music industry was also celebrated with the opening ofthe Avicii Experience Tribute Museumin Stockholm in February 2022. The tribute museum features memorabilia, video footage and photos of Avicii — as well as previously unreleased music, including an early version of the hit “Levels.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.

source: people.com