Prince Autopsy Completed; Singer Reportedly Overdosed Days Before Death
The autopsy for Prince has been completed, but completed toxicology tests are likely to take weeks, according to the Midwest Medical Examiners Office. The office began the autopsy at 9 a.m. CDT and it was completed at 1 p.m. local time.
The body will be released to family later today, the office said in a statement that continued:
“As part of a complete exam, relevant information regarding Mr. Nelson’s medical and family history will be gathered. Anything which could be relevant to the investigation will be taken into consideration. Midwest Medical Examiners Office will not release information until the exam is complete and all results are obtained. Gathering the results will take several days and the results of a full toxicology scan could likely take weeks.”
Prince reportedly overdosed on Percocet just days before he was found dead on Thursday in Minnesota. He was using the drug to treat a hip problem tied to corrective surgery in 2010, according to TMZ.
Prince’s jet plane made an emergency landing in Moline, Ill., last Friday due to a medical emergency. His rep told Variety at the time that the singer was struggling with the flu.
But, according to the new report, Prince had to receive a “save shot,” an injection or nasal spray to treat drug overdoses, at the airport.
He was also seen pacing outside a Walgreen’s the day before his death.
Percocet is a highly-addictive painkiller that treats moderate to severe pain. It’s a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone.
Authorities found Prince unresponsive in an elevator when they arrived Thursday morning, responding to a 911 call. First responders tried CPR, but were unable to revive the pop star and he was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Prince’s death. His autopsy will be performed on Friday.
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