Prince died on April 21, 2016, at the age of 57 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid
. He had been unknowingly taking counterfeit pills that he believed were Vicodin, but were actually laced with fentanyl
. The overdose was self-administered, and there were no signs of suicide or foul play
. In the days leading up to his death, Prince had been feeling unwell, canceling shows, and was treated for flu-like symptoms. On April 15, 2016, his private plane made an emergency landing after he became unresponsive and was treated with Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses
. Despite attempts to get him medical help, including a scheduled appointment with an addiction specialist, Prince was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate and pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived
. Investigations revealed that Prince had an opioid addiction and was under the impression he was taking prescribed painkillers, but the pills were counterfeit and laced with fentanyl. Authorities were unable to determine how or from whom he obtained the counterfeit pills, and no criminal charges were filed
. In summary, Prince's death was caused by an accidental fentanyl overdose due to counterfeit pills he thought were Vicodin
