An autopsy on US music superstar Prince yesterday sought to determine why the innovative performer died, but authorities cautioned it could take weeks before the results are made public.
The intensely private musician, whose hits included Purple Rain and When Doves Cry, was found dead at his home in suburban Minneapolis on Thursday at the age of 57, shocking millions of fans around the world and prompting glowing tributes by fellow musicians.
The local Carver County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances of his death.
The influential star, born Prince Rogers Nelson, was found unresponsive in an elevator at the Paisley Park Studios complex where he lived in the suburb of Chanhassen, authorities said.
The local medical examiner’s office began carrying out a post-mortem examination yesterday morning but said its results could be some time coming.
“As part of a complete exam, relevant information regarding Nelson’s medical and social history will be gathered. Anything which could be relevant to the investigation will be taken into consideration,” the Midwest medical examiner’s office said in a statement.
No information will be released until all results have been obtained, it added. “Gathering the results will take several days and the results of a full toxicology scan could likely take weeks,” the statement said.
Hartley Hokuf leaves a flower at a memorial to Prince outside the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, Minnesota, yesterday.
