Music

Prince's cause of death confirmed as opioid overdose

by Jesse Locke

Back in April, the dearly beloved Prince passed away far before his time. Since then, various rumoured causes have circulated, adding confusion to the tragic demise of the 57-year-old icon. Now, a law-enforcement official “close to the investigation” who is forced to remain anonymous and not authorized to speak to media confirmed to the Associated Press that Prince died of an opioid overdose.

Prince’s plane made an emergency landing for medical treatment citing flu-like symptoms only a week before his death. While he was seen cycling and hosting a party the next day, the AP states that he was given a shot of Narcan, an antidote used in suspected opioid overdoses. He was also reportedly planning to meet Dr. Howard Kornfeld, a specialist in addiction treatment, in the weeks before his death.

The superstar had a reputation for clean living, although it should come as little surprise that Sheila E. said Prince had hip and knee problems from years of wildly physical onstage antics. Following his autopsy, there have also been reports of Percocet found in Prince’s system, launching the investigation into how painkillers may have factored into his death.

[h/t Associated Press]