Avicii's former girlfriend Racquel Bettencourt pays emotional tribute to DJ after death in Oman

'It was us against the world' she wrote in touching Instagram message

<p>Swedish DJ Tim Bergling was better known by his stage name Avicii.&nbsp;He died in Oman aged 28. Attila Kisbenedek&nbsp;/ AFP</p>

A former girlfriend of Avicii, who died aged just 28 in Oman on Friday, has spoken about how she tried to help the Swedish DJ and producer through his health struggles.

Racquel Bettencourt, who dated Avicii in 2013, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing how "it felt like just yesterday that we were inseparable".

Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found dead in a hotel in Muscat at the weekend, with officials saying there was no sign of suspicious circumstances.

He had suffered with a series of health problems, including acute pancreatitis, which caused him to have his gallbladder and appendix removed four years ago. In early 2016, he announced his retirement from touring due to ill health.

Bettencourt, a Canadian model who has 174,000 Instagram followers, said she wanted "nothing more than to make sure you were healthy and happy and be there for you every step of the way".

She added: "I know how hard you struggled and tried. I tried everything I could."

The Bergling family released a statement yesterday, thanking people around the world for their kind words. It read: "Thank you for all the initiatives taken to honour Tim, with public gatherings, church bells ringing out his music, tributes at Coachella and moments of silence around the world."

It is not known why he was in Oman at the time of his death, or if any funeral arrangements have been made. His brother, David, has travelled to Muscat to seek answers and police said Avicii's body will be flown home to Sweden this week.

He was well known for hits such as Wake Me Up and Hey Brother. He won a number of American Music Awards, Billboard music awards and MTV Europe Music awards for his work. He also earned two Grammy nominations.

His died just days after being nominated for a Billboard Music Award for top dance/electronic album for his EP Avicii (01).

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Read more:

Avicii’s final hours: Fans recount meeting ‘full of life’ DJ in Oman hotel night before death

Avicii dies in Oman at 28: Dance pioneer rejigged life after touring took its toll on his health