Prince overdosed on prescription painkillers days before his death, it has been reported.
The Purple Rain singer was reportedly taking Percocet, a painkiller which contains acetaminophen and oxycodone, for a hip problem.
TMZ reports how emergency services administered a ‘save shot’ after his plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing on April 15.
His private jet made an emergency landing in Molina, Illinois, and the Purple Rain star was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, where he was treated and released hours later.
At the time, a representative for Prince assured fans that he was feeling much better and was resting at his Paisley Park home.
An autopsy is being carried out to determine the cause of the star’s death, but results could take weeks.
A statement from the Chief Medical Examiner’s office stated: “The Chief Medical Examiner for Midwest Medical Examiners Office, on behalf of the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, will be performing the autopsy on Prince Rogers Nelson. The autopsy began at 9 a.m.
It continued: “As part of a complete exam, relevant information regarding Mr. Nelson’s medical and social history will be gathered.
“Anything which could be relevant to the investigation will be taken into consideration. Midwest Medical Examiners Office will not release information until the exam is complete and all results are obtained. Gathering the results will take several days and the results of a full toxicology scan could likely take weeks.”
A cause of death is still to be determined
“Public information will be provided as soon as it is available in accordance with the investigation,” they added.
The American musician, hailed by Sir Elton John as the “greatest performer I have ever seen”, was found collapsed in a lift at his home in Minneapolis on Thursday.
Medical staff tried to revive the 57-year-old but he was pronounced dead at the scene, said Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson.
Just five days ago the singer made an appearance at a dance party held at his estate where he told fans: “Just wait a few days before saying your prayers.”
But less than a week later paramedics were called to 7801 Audobon Road after a 911 call at 9.43am. Medics tried CPR but could not revive Prince, who was pronounced dead at 10.07am local time.Fans quickly gathered outside his home and tributes flooded in for the music maverick, including a touching message from US President Barack Obama, ahead of his arrival in the United Kingdom.
