Prince, a symbol of creativity and craftsmanship, died in 2016 at the age of 57, shocking the music world. Known for his spectacular performances and pioneering music, his death sparked a succession of discoveries that created a more complicated picture of his life, challenges, and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
The Battle With Chronic Pain
Prince’s electrifying performances left audiences in awe, yet the physical toll these shows took on his body was immense. Longtime collaborator and friend Sheila E. revealed the extent of his suffering, attributing it to years of high-intensity performances. Prince, known for his boundless energy on stage, often performed in high heels and executed jumps from high risers, actions that exacerbated his physical pain. Despite this, Prince continued to give his all to his art, showing a dedication that went beyond the pain. Sheila E.’s insights were echoed by Prince’s half-sister, Sharon Nelson, who also acknowledged the musician’s constant battle with pain, shedding light on the severity of his condition and the courage he displayed in face of it..
An Emergency That Revealed More
Following Prince’s final concert on April 14, 2016, a medical emergency on his flight home raised alarms about his health. Upon landing in Illinois, Prince was treated with two doses of Narcan, an emergency medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. This incident, just days before his death, highlighted the serious nature of his reliance on painkillers to cope with his chronic pain. The situation gained more attention when Prince’s family filed a lawsuit against the hospital for misdiagnosis. Prince’s refusal to stay for recommended tests after the incident and his quick departure back home underscored a complex relationship with his health, with confidantes like Judith Hill and assistant Kirk Johnson by his side, suggesting a deeper struggle with addiction and pain management.
A Voice Concerned for His Well-being
Judith Hill, a close collaborator, painted a picture of the days leading up to Prince’s death. She recounted how, after noticing the severity of Prince’s health issues, there was a concerted effort by those close to him to seek further treatment. Prince, showing a willingness to confront his health issues, agreed to meet with a California-based addiction specialist. Hill’s account reveals a side of Prince prepared to fight for his life and health, signaling his seriousness about recovery. This readiness to seek help marked a significant, albeit tragic, final chapter in his life.
Mismanaged Medications and Their Role
Investigations following Prince’s death brought to surface unsettling discoveries regarding the medications he was on. Bottles filled with pills were found scattered around his estate, with some prescriptions even issued under a confidante’s name for confidentiality. This discovery pointed to a convoluted attempt at managing Prince’s pain and privacy, complicating the narrative around his dependency on painkillers. These documents also revealed a mixture of prescribed medications that hinted at the efforts Prince and his team made to address his pain, anxiety, and other health issues, albeit through ways that ultimately contributed to his passing.
A Quest for Health
While battling with chronic pain, Prince also showed an interest in maintaining his health through other means, such as regular B12 injections. His diet, which was primarily vegetarian or vegan, according to varying reports, suggested an awareness and concern for his well-being. However, the effectiveness of these health measures was sadly overshadowed by his reliance on pharmaceuticals for pain management. The fact that Prince did not have a regular doctor treating him further complicated his health management strategy, as revealed after his passing.
The Cause of An Icon’s Passing
Ultimately, Prince’s death was attributed to an overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid. This revelation shed light on the severity of his addiction and the risks associated with opioid use. The concentration of fentanyl found in his system was significantly higher than lethal levels, a stark reminder of the crisis America faces with opioid addiction and overdose. These circumstances surrounding Prince’s untimely death reveal the complexities of managing pain, fame, and health in the public eye, offering a sober reflection on the price of genius.