Legendary Icon Prince Treated For Drug Overdose Days Before Death; Suicide Ruled Out Says Authorities [VIDEO]
ByLegendary icon Prince was found unresponsive in an elevator near his home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The entertainer, born Prince Rogers Nelson, was pronounced dead on the spot when the CPR failed to revive him. When Prince was found, there were no signs of struggle and there was no evidence to indicate suicide. However, reports say that Prince overdosed on prescription pain killers a few days before his death.
Daily Mail reports that the "Purple Rain" singer overdosed on highly addictive Percocet opioid painkiller for treating his chronic hip problem that he got surgery for in 2010. His hip issues were caused by his iconic and energetic performances on stage. Prince had to use a cane to help him walk because of the damage.
A report from TMZ said that Prince took many Percocet medicine a few days before his death. He reportedly overdosed and the plane he was in had to make an emergency landing just so EMTs could give him a "save shot" to prevent Prince from dying. A source told the outlet that he took Percocet after making an appearance in Atlanta.
Percocet is a highly addictive opioid prescription painkiller. Los Angeles Times reports that Percocet is usually prescribed for patients suffering from severe pain. An expert told the news site that the drug "is in the same family as heroin and codeine." Those who overdose on opiates typically stop breathing and doctors would need to administer a drug like Narcan to reverse the overdosage.
The autopsy on Prince was done Friday but the toxicology results could take up to a few weeks. The cause of death would only be known until the results arrive. Fans, artists and celebrities all mourned the passing of Prince. Tributes and memories flooded social media once the news of Prince's death broke out.