Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found dead of an apparent suicide on April 20 of last year. He was just 28.
The family of the late Swedish DJ Avicii is launching a foundation in his name.
Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found dead of an apparent suicide on April 20 of last year. He was just 28.
Now, his family is paying tribute to his memory with the Tim Bergling Foundation, which will "initially focus on supporting people and organizations working in the field of mental illness and suicide prevention,” according to a statement.
“Tim wanted to make a difference,” the statement continued. “Starting a foundation in his name is our way to honor his memory and continue to act in his spirit.”
The death of Avicii, famous for hits including “Wake Me Up," shook the music world.
He made history when he became the first DJ to play sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 2012, and he played on the main stages of renowned music festivals around the world like the Ultra Music Festival in Miami and Lollapalooza in Chicago.
During a final performance in Ibiza in 2016, Avicii announced his retirement from touring, citing issues with his health. He suffered from acute pancreatitis, partially due to his heavy drinking, and needed his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014.
A letter to his fans following his retirement announcement read: "I just feel happy. I feel free at this point […] This was obviously the hardest decision of my life so far. But so far it has paid off tremendously in terms of well-being for me. I'm happier than I have been in a very very long time. Stress-free more than I have been in a very long time.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential support for people in distress 24/7. People can call the hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or chat online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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