While the autopsy results for Prince are still pending, reports are coming fast and furious from multiple sources that the late musician had a serious drug problem that spanned many years.
On Tuesday, Minnesota’s Carver County Sheriff’s Office released details of 911 calls that had come from Prince’s residence, Paisley Park, since 2011, including one in which an unidentified female caller said she was concerned about Prince’s cocaine use.
READ MORE: Prince found with prescription drugs when he died, DEA investigating
Now, the Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that Prince died one day before a scheduled appointment with California doctor, Howard Kornfeld, who specializes in opioid addiction and treatment.
Kornfeld was reportedly called by Prince’s reps the night of April 20 because the singer “was dealing with a grave medical emergency,” said Kornfeld lawyer William Mauzy to the Star Tribune.
The doctor wasn’t able to meet with Prince on April 21, the day of his death — but he planned to fly out to Paisley Park on April 22. In lieu of the visit, the doctor sent his son, Andrew Kornfeld, to Prince’s complex to explain to the musician how the confidential treatment would work, said Mauzy.
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“The plan was to quickly evaluate his health and devise a treatment plan,” Mauzy said. “The doctor was planning on a lifesaving mission.”
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Kornfeld’s son was one of only three people at Paisley Park when Prince’s body was found in an elevator, and it was Andrew Kornfeld who made the 911 call.
(Kornfeld’s and Mauzy’s comments about Prince and drugs have not been verified by any source except the Star Tribune.)
READ MORE: Released Prince 911 calls reveal singer may have battled drug addiction
As previously reported, prescription painkillers were found on the 57-year-old musician’s body and in his home. Prince’s death came less than a week after reports that his plane made an emergency landing in Moline, Ill., as he returned after performing in Atlanta. TMZ, citing unidentified sources, reported that Prince was treated that night for an overdose of the painkiller percocet.
Prince’s death came two weeks after he cancelled concerts in Atlanta, saying he wasn’t feeling well. He played a pair of makeup shows April 14 in that city. Prince was scheduled to perform two shows in St. Louis but cancelled them shortly before his death due to health concerns.
READ MORE: No reason to believe Prince’s death was suicide, officials say
Longtime friend and collaborator Sheila E. told the Associated Press that Prince had physical issues from performing, citing hip and knee problems that she said came from years of jumping off risers and stage speakers in heels.
— With files from The Associated Press
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