Pioneering Swedish DJ Avicii found dead in Oman

The Swedish DJs death comes two years after he retired from touring following repeated health scares and problems related to his hard-partying lifestyle.

His management announced on Friday that Avicii - real name Tim Bergling - had passed away in Muscat, but did not reveal the cause of death.

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

"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."

One Muscat-based DJ who saw him in Oman shortly before his death said he looked happy and healthy.

"I was playing there and I recognised him. I went up to him and asked for a photograph and that's when I got the first photo," said Maitrai Joshi.

Avicii was a pioneer in mainstream dance music working with some of the world's most renowned artists to produce a string of Top 40 records.

He retired from live music and most production work saying the lifestyle did not agree with him.

"The scene was not for me," he told music magazine Billboard when he announced he would retire from touring aged 26.

"It was not the shows and not the music. It was always the other stuff surrounding it that never came naturally to me. All the other parts of being an artist."

The DJ suffered from health problems, including acute pancreatitis, which was said to be partly due to his excessive drinking. In 2014, he had his gallbladder and appendix removed.

Avicii produced Madonna's last album and the global superstar paid tribute to the DJ on Instagram: "So Tragic. Goodbye Dear Sweet Tim. Gone Too Soon."

Last year, he put out a six-song EP that featured British pop singer Rita Ora.

Agencies contributed to this story.