Avicii is dead: Superstar DJ, singer passes on aged 28

 Avicii

DJ and producer Avicii has died at the age of 28, his agent has confirmed.

The Swedish musician, real name Tim Bergling, died in Muscat, Oman on Friday 20 April.

Avicii was behind best-selling EDM hits Levels, Hey Brother and Wake Me Up with Aloe Blacc.

In a statement his publicist said: "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."

No cause of death was given.

What could be the last known pictures of Avicii were shared just three days ago, as he holidayed in Oman.

Looking worlds away from his on stage superstar DJ persona, the musician enjoyed some down time during a stay at the idyllic Muscat Hill Resort.

Casually dressed in a simple white t-shirt and pair of yellow shorts, the musician appeared happy to meet fans, despite recently taking a self-imposed break from the limelight.

During the peak of his career, Avicii was one of the highest paid DJs in the world, earning up to $28 million (Sh2.8 billion) in 2014, according to Forbes.

But in 2016 he stunned fans by announcing his retirement from performing live.

He wrote a farewell letter announcing his plans, saying he had "too little left for the life of a real person behind the artist."

But he left a hint at a possible return, signing off: "One part of me can never say never, I could be back... but I won't be right back."

Despite retiring from the stage, Avicii kept up his work in the studio and was nominated in the category of Best Dance/Electronic Album at this year's Billboard Music Awards, taking place this May.

Last October he released documentary Avicii: True Stories, which chronicles his retirement from touring and featured interviews with friends from the industry including David Guetta, Nile Rodgers and Coldplay's Chris Martin.

So Sad....... So Tragic. Good Bye Dear Sweet Tim. ???? Gone too Soon. pic.twitter.com/l7FDKCu6K4

— Madonna (@Madonna) April 20, 2018

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 pic.twitter.com/IGiTYetJcq

— David Guetta (@davidguetta) April 20, 2018

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

— Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) April 20, 2018

Rest in peace, Avicii. We lost a legend.

— DJ SNAKE (@djsnake) April 20, 2018