Prince, the music superstar and flamboyant showman, died on April 21 at his home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was 57 years old.
Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson said that the performer was found in an elevator in Paisley Park Studios. He was unreponsive and was not breathing. Paramedics arrived at the scene and tried to perform CPR, but to no avail. He was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m., less than 30 minutes after deputies and medics were dispatched to the area.
Deputies are on scene of a death investigation at Paisley Park in Chanhassen. More info to follow. -814
— Carver County S.O. (@CarverSheriff) April 21, 2016
An investigation has been initiated with the help of the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. An autopsy will be performed as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding Prince's death.
Prince Rogers Nelson (57) found dead at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, MN. We are investigating the circumstances of his death. 802jk — Carver County S.O. (@CarverSheriff) April 21, 2016
"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer Prince Rogers Nelson has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57," said Yvette Noel-Schure, Prince's publicist.
The iconic singer was hospitalized on April 15 after his plane made an emergency landing in Illinois. The singer suffered from flu, Noel-Schure said. Prince performed in a concert the next day and assured his fans that he was okay.
Before his most recent appearance, the singer reportedly cancelled two shows because of health concerns.
At 11:27 a.m. on April 21, authorities started investigating the incident and they said there is no sign of foul play. At 3:43 p.m., the medical examiner's office received Prince's body and will perform the autopsy on April 22.
The body of Prince Rogers Nelson has been received by Midwest Medical Examiners Office in Ramsey, MN. An autopsy will be performed tomorrow. — Midwest Medical Exam (@MidwestMedExam) April 21, 2016
The word of his death sparked a massive outpouring of grief on social media from his fans, colleagues in the industry and even from the White House.
"Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince," President Barrack Obama said.
"Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader and an electrifying performer," he added.
Prince became popular in the late '70s and in the next three decades, he was widely-known as one of the most inventive and eccentric singers in American pop music. His limelight rocketed in the '80s with songs like Kiss and Purple Rain.
