Pop superstar Prince found dead at Minnesota home

Pop singer Prince, who was one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, has died at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, just southwest of Minneapolis, his publicist says. He was just 57 years old.

Medics were called to Paisley Park Studios on Audubon Road in Chanhassen at 9:43 a.m. on Thursday for a medical emergency. Deputies arrived at the scene and found Prince unresponsive inside an elevator, but he was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m. after CPR was unsuccessful.

There was no immediate word on the possible cause of death and an autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

“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,” publicist Yvette Noel-Schure said in a brief statement. “There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time.”

Prince had canceled two shows on April 7 and his private plane made an emergency landing in Illinois last week, after which he was briefly taken to a hospital in Moline. Although a representative for the singer had attributed the incidents to the flu, TMZ.com reported Thursday that Prince had in fact suffered a drug overdose.

But according to TMZ, multiple sources have told the entertainment news website that Prince had received a “save shot” to counteract the effects of an opiate after being rushed to the Illinois hospital. The report added that Prince had been advised to remain in the hospital for 24 hours, but his people demanded a private room and were told that was not possible, after which they left the hospital against medical advice.

In a statement, U.S. President Barack Obama said: “Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader, and an electrifying performer. ‘A strong spirit transcends rules,’ Prince once said — and nobody’s spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band, and all who loved him.‎”