Prince: Life & Death Of The ‘Purple Rain’ Icon

Influential musician and producer Prince passed away at the age of 57 on Wednesday at his Paisley Park home in Minnesota. He was found unresponsive in an elevator at the home studio. Paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after he was discovered. They tried to perform CPR, but were unable to revive the artist.

An autopsy is scheduled to begin today, though the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has warned that it could be weeks before the results are complete.

Just days before his death, Prince’s plane had to make an emergency landing to give him medical attention. It was originally stated that he was suffering from the flu, but now it has come to light that the artist had overdosed on Percocet, a highly addictive painkiller.

He was also spotted at a local Walgreens multiple times the week prior to his death. Witnesses say he appeared agitated while he waited for his medication.

Whether or not substance abuse had a hand in Prince’s death, the artist is being mourned worldwide as people remember his contributions to the music world. With several decades of exciting musical works to explore, there’s no doubt that Prince will remain influential despite his early passing.

Related: Music Icon Prince Dies At 57, Leaving Legacy Of Innovation

He rose to fame in the 1980s, holding his own and even surpassing the likes of Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. His aggressive drive towards putting out new music helped cement his position in pop culture.

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