New focus on health of Prince
MIN NE A POLIS • There were no obvious signs of trauma on Prince’s body when he was f ound unresponsive at his home in suburban Minneapolis, and suicide isn’t suspected, the local sheriff said Friday.
Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson said the singer was last seen Wednesday evening when an acquaintance dropped him off at his sprawling compound, Paisley Park.
He was found unresponsive Thursday morning in an elevator on this first floor of his home after staff members were unable to get hold of him.
The sheriff noted t he 57- year- old musician was “a very private person,” and he said he didn’t think it was unusual for him to be alone.
Despite his stage presence and erotically charged music, Prince had a reputation for clean living and an ability to put on shows that were electrifying in their athleticism.
But after his death — following a series of cancelled shows, a reported emergency plane l anding f or medical treatment and a subdued hometown appearance — questions are being raised about whether he was hiding his health problems.
Celebrity website TMZ. com, citing “multiple” unnamed s ources, has r eported that Prince received treatment for a painkiller overdose while travelling home from concerts in Atlanta last week.
TMZ also cited unidentified sources in reporting last week the singer overdosed on Percocet as he returned to Minneapolis early on April 15. The painkiller, which a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, an opioid, is highly addictive.
His flight made an emergency landing in Moline, Ill., where emergency responders administered a “save shot” at the Quad City Airport.
Jeff Patterson, the airport’s public safety manager confirmed Friday a private Falcon 900 plane made a “medical diversion l anding” at 1:17 a.m. that day, but gave no details.
An autopsy was completed Friday to determine what caused the death of the “Purple Rain” superstar, though officials said it could take days or weeks before results are released.
Investigators said emergency crews couldn’t revive Prince after finding him unresponsive at his compound in Chanhassen, about 30 kilometres f rom Minneapolis. Prince had spoken about struggling with childhood epilepsy, and friends said he had hip trouble. His former percussionist, Sheila E., said he suffered the effects from years of jumping off risers and speakers on stage while wearing high heels.
Minnesota authorities declined at the Friday news conference to s ay what may have been taken from Prince’s home af t er his death, or to discuss reports of any drug overdose.
Olson and a medical examiner’s office spokeswoman refused to comment Friday when asked about prescription drugs or a possible overdose.
The singer’s death came two weeks after he cancelled concerts in Atlanta, saying he wasn’t f eeling well. He then played a pair of makeup shows April 14 in that city.