Prince’s death on April 21, 2016, sent shockwaves through the music world. Known for his vibrant persona and musical genius, he was gone too soon at 57. The autopsy revealed a fatal amount of fentanyl, leaving fans reeling.
Despite a clear cause of death, lingering questions persist. Days before his passing, Prince experienced a medical emergency, sparking suspicions about that final week. The lack of arrests, despite evidence of illegal prescriptions, adds to the mystery.
In the years since, conspiracy theories have taken root. But beyond speculation, there are genuine, unsettling details that remain unanswered. Here’s a closer look at the strange facts surrounding Prince’s untimely death.
His Final Flight and a Haunting Emergency
On April 15, 2016, Prince’s private plane made an emergency landing in Moline, Illinois. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. His representative claimed he’d been battling the flu, a story that seemed to cover the deeper issue at play.
Onboard with Prince were his friend Kirk Johnson and musician Judith Hill. Hill later shared with The New York Times that Prince had suddenly lost consciousness during their conversation, prompting panic. Narcan, a medication for reversing opioid overdoses, was administered on the tarmac, hinting at a possible overdose.
Hill revealed that they reached out to Dr. Howard Kornfeld from the Recovery Without Walls clinic for help, and Prince agreed to consult him. Yet, he never made it to the clinic. As Hill put it, Prince “was trying” to take care of himself, raising the unsettling question: why didn’t he get the help he needed before it was too late?
His Secret Struggle with Pain Pills
Prince was known for his clean lifestyle, avoiding drugs and alcohol in an industry filled with excess. He preferred working with artists who shared his disciplined approach. Yet, after his death, a hidden struggle came to light.
Years of intense performances took a toll on his body, leading to hip surgery and ongoing pain management. Prescription pills became part of his routine, and when authorities searched his home, they found many, raising questions about what his inner circle knew.
Prince’s ex-girlfriend Charlene Friend revealed he was adept at hiding his issues. She shared that his half-brother once mentioned his use of stimulants to stay awake, while others noted his reliance on painkillers after shows. She suggested that the post-show emptiness may have been what he sought to escape.
His Mystery Pills Were a Counterfeit Tragedy
Prince’s official cause of death was accidental fentanyl poisoning, yet he had no prescription for the drug. This raises the question: how did he obtain such a lethal substance? After his passing, investigators found around 49 black-market pills in his home — many containing fentanyl.
Addiction psychiatrist Scott Bienenfeld suggested Prince may not have known what he was taking. Many pain patients, he explained, are unknowingly given fentanyl-laced drugs disguised as common painkillers. These counterfeit pills are often smuggled into the U.S. and sold cheaply, making them dangerously accessible.
Minnesota attorney Mark Metz stated that Prince likely thought he was taking Vicodin. But the investigation couldn’t determine how he acquired the counterfeit pills. “There is no reliable evidence showing how Prince obtained the counterfeit Vicodin,” Metz explained, leaving the mystery unsolved and no one to blame.
His Final Moments in an Elevator
On April 21, 2016, medics found Prince unresponsive inside an elevator at his Paisley Park home. Despite their efforts with CPR, he was declared dead shortly after. Though seemingly just a location detail, this discovery carried an eerie significance for those who knew Prince’s feelings about elevators.
Music executive L.A. Reid later recalled a chilling conversation with Prince. Referring to his song “Let’s Go Crazy” and its line, “Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down?” Prince once told Reid that he saw the elevator as a symbol for “the devil.” Reid admitted the connection haunted him when he learned of Prince’s passing.
Whether Prince viewed elevators as a literal or symbolic threat, it’s unsettling that he was found in one at his death. For fans and friends, this final detail remains strangely poignant.
His Death Led to No Arrests
After Prince’s death, authorities found counterfeit pills containing fatal amounts of fentanyl at his home. Surprisingly, no arrests were made, as investigators claimed they lacked enough evidence to charge anyone. For a high-profile case like this, the absence of accountability left many unsettled.
Authorities did find that Dr. Michael T. Schulenberg had allegedly prescribed painkillers under someone else’s name for Prince just a week before he passed. While this violated the Controlled Substances Act, Schulenberg faced only a $30,000 civil penalty. According to court records, his payment wasn’t an admission of guilt.
Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, expressed that prosecution would bring no comfort. “You can charge 20,000 people,” she told Rolling Stone, “but will that bring my brother back? It won’t.” For her, no punishment would heal the loss.
His Massive Estate Had No Will
Despite his immense fortune and complex personal and business life, Prince had no will. For someone of his status, this lack of estate planning was unexpected, leaving many questioning how such a significant detail was overlooked.
In the days after his death, Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, confirmed there was no will and requested court assistance in managing his estate. More than 700 people came forward, claiming various connections to the late musician and seeking inheritance. Ultimately, only Tyka and Prince’s five half-siblings were recognized as heirs.
Six years later, in 2022, Prince’s estate was finally divided. The court split it between two holding companies, Prince Oat Holdings LLC and Prince Legacy LLC, bringing a long, chaotic process to a close.