Avicii’s Family Launches Tim Bergling Foundation To Prevent Suicide In His Honor

It’s been almost a year since the Grammy-nominated DJ Avicii (real name Tim Bergling) died of apparent suicide. Last year, on April 20, 2018, the Swedish musician was found dead while in Oman at just 28 years old. And now, to honor his legacy, his family is establishing a new suicide prevention foundation that will open on the first anniversary of Avicii’s death.

“Starting a foundation in his name is our way to honour his memory and continue to act in his spirit,” the family wrote in a press release. The Foundation, called the Tim Bergling Foundation, will “initially focus on supporting people and organizations in the field of mental illness and suicide prevention” in Sweden, but will seek to broaden its scope to “be active in climate change, nature conservation and endangered species.” 

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News of Avicii’s death hit the music industry hard back in April, when hundreds of fans and tons of collaborators took to social media to post their tributes. At the time, fellow DJ’s Calvin Harris and Marshmello posted tributes, while his family confirmed the suicide in a message to fans. “Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions,” they wrote. “An over-achieving 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.”

Trying to help others find that peace while remaining alive, the Bergling family will launch the Tim Bergling foundation on April 20.

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