Prince's Autopsy Results Could Take A While

On Thursday, music icon Prince's rep confirmed to Bustle that the singer had died with the following statement: "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." The musician's death seemed so sudden that fans around the world immediately wondered how he died, but there were no conclusive answers available. Because no exact cause of death was known, Prince will have an autopsy on Friday, April 22, according to CNN. But while the autopsy itself is happening soon, the results my take a while. Update: A spokesperson for the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office told The Hollywood Reporter that results will most likely not be released for several weeks. In addition, the Carver County Sheriff's Department tells Bustle, "I would expect to have autopsy reports back sometime next week, with toxicology reports coming in a few weeks. It’s important to note that the reports may not be public data during an open investigation."

Earlier: Several state health department websites list FAQs when it comes to questions about coroners and autopsies, including how long autopsy reports take. According to the North Dakota Department of Health,

Most preliminary autopsy reports are completed and ready for release within four weeks. In certain cases, additional tests may need to be performed that will delay completion of the report for several additional weeks.

The Virginia Department of Health notes that results in some cases can take more than 12 weeks.

The Hennepin County, Minnesota (the state in which Prince died) medical examiner's site says of autopsy results,

The autopsy and other tests rarely delay the release of the body to next-of-kin. However, final results of the autopsy report may take many weeks.

Prince died in Carver County, Minnesota, and while an estimated length of time does not seem to be available on their website, Bustle has reached out to the Carver County Sheriff's Department for an estimate.

On Thursday, the Carver Country Sheriff's Department shared the following information with Bustle about Prince's death:

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 andThe Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.