Authorities seek source of drugs that killed Prince
Print Edition
WORD from authorities that Prince died of an overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is up to 50 times more potent than heroin, is far from the end of the investigation. In some ways, it’s just the beginning.
After Thursday’s announcement about the superstar’s death, investigators in the months to come will try to determine whether the singer had a prescription for the drug or whether it was supplied illegally. If it’s the latter, someone could face criminal charges carrying years, or even decades, in prison.
Prince, 57, was found dead on April 21 at his Minneapolis-area estate, and at least one friend has said he suffered from intense knee and hip pain from many years of performing.
Although the death was formally ruled an accident, that merely signified that it was not intentional and does not preclude a criminal prosecution.
According to a one-page report released by a medical examiner, Prince administered the drug himself on an unknown date. The office said the death investigation is complete, and it had no further comment.
Confirmation that Prince died of an opioid overdose was first reported by The Associated Press. The autopsy report was released hours later.
Fentanyl is a synthetic painkiller. Patients who have built up a tolerance to other prescription painkillers sometimes seek it out, and it is partly responsible for a recent surge in overdose deaths in some parts of the country. Because of its risks, it is tightly controlled by the Food and Drug Administration, but much of it is made illegally.
Kent Bailey, head of the DEA in Minneapolis, said the agency will continue investigating along with Carver County authorities and the US Attorney’s Office. He declined to offer details, but said “rest assured, we will be thorough.”
Legal experts say the focus of the investigation will now probably turn to whether the source or sources of the fentanyl were legal or not. Often, such investigations include grand jury subpoenas for records or for testimony from individuals.
Authorities may also look to the singer’s associates.
“The investigation may expand to people who surround him,” said Gal Pissetzky, a Chicago-based attorney who has represented multiple clients facing drug charges who has no link to Prince. “If fentanyl was obtained illegally, I don’t think Prince would have gone out to meet someone in a dark alley to get the substance.”
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