Prince’s Death Sparks Criminal Probe; Overdose a Possibility (Report)

The legendary musician died April 21 at age 57

prince snl

The investigation into music legend Prince’s death a week ago has sparked a criminal probe, with investigators looking into the possibility that the singer died of an overdose.

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota noted an exception in the state’s public-records laws, stating that the office is allowed to withhold data involving a “criminal” probe. The sheriff’s office cited the exception when it released limited information regarding the 911 response on April 21, when Prince was found unresponsive in the elevator of his home, dubbed Paisley Park.

According to the Star Tribune, the citation indicates that criminal charges are possible, though it remains to be seen if charges will be filed.

As reported earlier this week, Prince possessed painkillers at the time of his death at age 57. Painkillers were also found at Paisley Park.

Citing sources, the Star Tribune said that the possibility of an opioid overdose is being investigated. According to reports, the musician’s plane made an emergency landing in Illinois days before his death so that he could be treated for an overdose on the opioid painkiller Percocet.

During a press conference last week, authorities said that foul play and suicide were unlikely factors in the “Purple Rain” singer’s death.

An autopsy was completed on Friday, with results pending.

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