Updated: Fentanyl.
A law enforcement official told the Associated Press today that tests show Prince died of an opioid overdose. The iconic musician was found dead at Paisley Park, his home and studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the morning of April 21, 2016. He was 57.
The official, who is close to the investigation, spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Investigators have been reviewing whether Prince died of an overdose and whether a doctor was prescribing him drugs in the weeks before his death.
APNewsBreak: Official says Prince died of opioid overdose [AP]
The widely reported story of Prince’s death: people close to him sought help from a doctor famous for helping people with opiate dependency. The doctor, who is based on the West Coast, could not make it out to Prince fast enough, and sent his son in his place. The doctor’s son called 911 when Prince was found dead. The son had a controlled substance on him, which the doctor gave him, to give to Prince.
Prince’s relatives have been fighting over his vast legacy, since he died. The artist left no known will saying what he wanted done with his estate, including unpublished creative work, in the event of his death.
From the Hollywood Reporter:
Since his passing, members of his family have been in court in an attempt to procure portions of his estate.
Last week, the judge overseeing the estate case authorized genetic testing of a blood sample take from Prince in case those results become necessary in determining who is entitled to shares of his estate.