Prince Rogers Nelson death — accidental fentanyl toxicity

Prince Rogers Nelson, the groundbreaking musician and performer, died on April 21, 2016. He was 57. Staff at his home and studio, Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, found him unresponsive that morning; the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office listed the official cause of death as accidental fentanyl toxicity.

How he died

On the morning of April 21, 2016, Prince was found unresponsive inside an elevator at Paisley Park, his home and recording studio in Chanhassen. Emergency responders were called to the scene, and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the cause of death as accidental fentanyl toxicity.

Toxicology results recorded a fentanyl level of 67.8 micrograms per liter. Investigators reported that Prince had taken pills he believed were hydrocodone (stamped “Watson 853”) to manage chronic pain; many of those tablets later tested positive for fentanyl. Carver County Attorney Mark Metz confirmed that Prince had no knowledge the pills contained fentanyl and that he did not have a fentanyl prescription in his name.

Autopsy, toxicology and the investigation

The official autopsy and toxicology findings made clear that fentanyl played a decisive role. The level reported in Princes blood was far above amounts at which deaths have been documented. A multi-agency investigation that lasted two years concluded in April 2018; no criminal charges were filed.

Investigators were unable to identify the source of the counterfeit pills. The probe examined people close to Prince, including his physician, Dr. Michael Schulenberg, and longtime bodyguard Kirk Johnson. Dr. Schulenberg was later found to have written an opioid prescription under another patients name and paid a civil settlement.

Circumstances in the days before his death

Prince had been managing chronic pain for years following physically demanding performances and a 2010 hip surgery. By early April 2016 he was being treated by Dr. Schulenberg for opioid withdrawal, anemia and fatigue.

On April 15, 2016, his private jet made an unscheduled emergency landing in Moline, Illinois, and Prince was given naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. An addiction specialist was flown in and an appointment was scheduled for April 20; Prince did not attend the appointment and was found dead the next morning.

Timeline

Early April 2016: Began treatment with Dr. Michael Schulenberg for opioid withdrawal, anemia and fatigue.
April 15, 2016: Private jet diverted to Moline, Illinois; Prince was treated with naloxone for a suspected overdose.
April 20, 2016: An addiction specialist was flown in and an appointment was scheduled for the following day.
April 21, 2016: Found unresponsive in an elevator at Paisley Park; pronounced dead at age 57.

Legacy and public response

Princes career spanned nearly four decades and crossed genres. He sold more than 100 million records, released 39 studio albums, won seven Grammy Awards and received an Academy Award for the film and soundtrack Purple Rain. He was known for writing, producing and often playing most of the instruments on his recordings, and for advocating for artists ownership of their work.

In the days after his death, his music saw an extraordinary resurgence: 4.41 million albums and songs were sold in a single week, and five of his albums appeared simultaneously in the Billboard 200 top ten. Cities illuminated landmarks in purple, Saturday Night Live aired a tribute episode, and performers including Bruno Mars and Morris Day paid tribute at the 59th Grammy Awards.

Conclusion

Prince Rogers Nelson left an indelible mark on popular music. The official record states his death was the result of accidental fentanyl toxicity; the subsequent investigation closed without criminal charges. His work and influence continue to be remembered by fans, fellow artists and the music industry.

Frequently asked questions

Where was Prince found when he died?

He was found unresponsive inside an elevator at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on April 21, 2016.

What warnings occurred before his death?

On April 15, 2016, Princes private jet made an emergency landing and he received naloxone. An addiction specialist was flown in and an appointment was scheduled for April 20; Prince was found dead on April 21.