Reports link Prince’s death to accidental painkiller overdose

Prince
Prince (Image credit: Getty)

It’s been reported that the cause of Prince’s death was an accidental overdose of the powerful painkiller fentanyl.

The Associated Press say that according to a one-page report released by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, the music icon – who died aged 57 in April – administered the drug himself.

The Medical Examiner’s Office also confirmed it had completed its investigation into the star’s death but would give no further comment.

The official autopsy and toxicology reports have yet to be released.

Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than morphine and up to 25 times stronger than heroin (diamorphine) and is typically used to treat patients suffering severe or chronic pain or to manage pain after surgery.

Last month, it was reported that Prince’s representatives had asked a leading addiction doctor for help the day before he died.

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Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.