On Thursday, heartbreaking news broke that Prince died at age 57. His publicist confirmed the news to Bustle: "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." More details about the music icon's death were released in a statement to Bustle from the Carver County Sheriff's Office. According to this new information, Prince was found unresponsive in an elevator when deputies and medical personnel arrived. Update: In a press conference on Friday, Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson said that there is "no reason to believe" Prince's death was a suicide.
Earlier: Here's the full statement:
Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson reports that on April 21, 2016, at about 9:43 am, sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical call at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen. When deputies and medical personnel arrived, they found an unresponsive adult male in the elevator. First responders attempted to provide lifesaving CPR, but were unable to revive the victim. He was pronounced deceased at 10:07 am. He has been identified as Prince Rogers Nelson (57) of Chanhassen.
The Carver County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
Further details, such as Prince's cause of death, have not yet been released. However, TMZ reports that he had a medical emergency on April 15 and was "battling the flu." Whether or not this is related to his death remains unknown.
Regardless of the cause, it's a devastating loss for the entertainment industry as a whole. From his music to his style to his movies, Prince left behind an unforgettable legacy.
