Prince Cause of Death Revealed as Opioid Overdose

Legendary pop star Prince died of an accidental opioid overdose, according to the Associated Press and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office following an autopsy. The news agency reported that the drug in question was a painkiller called fentanyl, “a synthetic opioid, 50 times more potent than heroin, that’s partly responsible for a recent surge in overdose deaths in some parts of the country.”

A week earlier the 57-year-old’s plane made an emergency landing after the star suffered another painkiller overdose and had to be given a shot of Narcan, which helps reverse the effects of opioids. The AP says performer and Prince’s friend, Sheila E. said that “Prince had physical issues from performing, citing hip and knee problems that she said came from years of jumping off risers and stage speakers in heels.”