Swedish DJ Avicii, who led the global boom in electronic music, dies at 28

Avicii, one of the world's most successful DJs who helped lead the global boom in electronic music, died on Friday in Oman, his representative said. He was 28.

Two years after his unusually early retirement, the Swedish DJ was found dead on a visit to the Gulf kingdom's capital Muscat, a statement said without specifying a cause.

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii," his management said.

"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." Avicii was among the first DJs to break through in the mainstream as electronic dance music grew over the past decade from nightclubs to Top 40 radio.

His biggest hits included "Wake Me Up," which went to number one across Europe in 2013 and featured the soul singer Aloe Blacc.

While the death came as a shock, Avicii has spoken publicly in recent years about his health problems including pancreatitis, triggered in part by excessive drinking. He was hospitalized for 11 days in 2012 for treatment of acute pancreatitis.

The condition forced him to cancel shows in 2014 as he had to have his gallbladder and appendix removed.

In 2016, Avicii stunned fans by announcing his retirement when he was just 26, saying that he wanted to leave the high-flying electronic music lifestyle and "explore other interests."

He was known for his collaborations with other artists, including Coldplay, David Guetta, Lenny Kravitz, Robbie Williams and Rita Ora.

Avicii achieved global fame in 2011 with the release of his smash hit "Levels," which was followed by other chart sensations, such as "Wake Me Up" and "Hey Brother".

In 2014, he teamed up with Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean and Alexandre Pires on the official FIFA World Cup anthem, "We Will Find a Way".

Avicii -- who for years was one of the world's most lucrative electronic musicians-- in 2016 made number 12 on the list of top-paid DJs of Forbes magazine, which said he earned $14.5 million in the previous year.