Content warning: This story discusses mental health and suicide which may be triggering for some readers.
He was the bright-eyed, blonde-haired 28-year-old with the skills, brain and creativity to make music with the power to reach millions of ears across age, across gender and across the world.
His name was Tim Bergling, but of course, we knew him as Avicii.
“Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions,” his family said in a statement, released Thursday, some two weeks after his death. “An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled 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.
“Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight,” the statement went on.
“Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive.”
The Mamamia Out Loud team discuss the complexities of reporting on suicide. Does the media have a responsibility to share these stories? Post continues…
While Avicii’s story will not end – for, as his family said, his music is his legacy – that’s certainly where the story of his death should have.
In the days after his family released their final statement, news has surfaced once again. This time, graphic reports have been published about the very private, very complex nature and method of his death.
Top Comments
I thought we were trying to be open about suicide and mental health?
I for one absolutely think it’s important, especially in cases of teen suicide, to have the method of death made public. That could be a lifesaver for another family, if they then see their 14 year old buying *x* item, stockpiling *x* items, etc...then there’s question of how best to help someone who has, say, overdosed on *x*...it could save much loved lives.
When I see stories of youngsters committing suicide, the first thing I think is “how did they manage to actually complete something that many adults fail at?”
Get it out there, get people talking and learning and observing. Mums and Dads especially need to know.
To be honest, you’re not doing anything different here and secondly, I hadn’t heard anything other than it was suicide (no more details) until you posted that further details were shared.