Prince's cause of death revealed


June 3, 2016

Prince passed away from an accidental drug overdose, it has been revealed. A report released by the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that the musician had died after overdosing on the painkiller fentanyl at his Paisley Park estate.

The report also revealed that Prince weighed just 112lbs at the time of his death, and said that there were no other "significant conditions" that contributed to his sudden passing at the age of 57.

Prince death© Photo: Getty Images

Prince passed away from an accidental drug overdose

Fentanyl is an opiate that can be 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. It is often administered after surgery and can be taken via a patch or injection.

Officials had previously confirmed that prescription drugs had been found in Prince's possession following his death, with a police warrant revealing that he had been prescribed medication on 20 April – the day before he was discovered in the lift at his home.

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The world was left stunned following the Purple Rain singer's shock death on 21 April, with many of his famous friends and peers speaking out in tribute to the star. Prince's family and friends gathered for his cremation in the days that followed and confirmed that his final resting place would be kept a secret.

Prince estate© Photo: Getty Images

The musician died at the age of 57 on 21 April

A judge has since confirmed that Prince did not have a will in place to declare the distribution of his estimated £171million ($250million) fortune. A hearing was held at the end of April during which the judge approved Prince's long-standing bank to handle the singer's estate – both personal and financial. Bremer Trust has been tasked to "preserve the estate and to secure its proper administration until a general Personal Representative is appointed by the Registrar or by the Court," according to court documents obtained by People. The Trust is also charged with locating his heirs.

Prince was twice divorced and had no surviving children or parents. His only full blood relative is his younger sister, singer Tyka Nelson, 55, but he also have five half-siblings from his father’s second marriage.

The 57-year-old's family are now planning an official memorial service, and said in a statement: "Together, the family is planning an official memorial service and public event to take place in the near future. Prince and his music influenced so many people that we feel inspired to celebrate his life and legacy in just the right way."

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