Entertainment

Prince Will Reportedly Have Autopsy Friday

by Lia Beck

On Thursday April 21, the world lost a legend when Prince died at age 57. His rep confirmed the news to Bustle, saying, "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." Since word of how Prince died wasn't immediately known, some fans may be wondering whether Prince will have an autopsy. 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: According to multiple sources, the answer is yes. CNN reports that "Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. An autopsy will be conducted Friday," in order to find out what caused Prince's death.

As for when the results of the autopsy will be in, 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 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 County, Minnesota, Sheriff's Office released the following statement to Bustle, which gives a bit of insight into the situation surrounding his untimely 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 and The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.