Prince, the legendary singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actor, has died, according to a TMZ report. He was 57 years old.
The Carver County Sheriff’s department responded to an emergency call at the singer’s Paisley Park studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota at 9:43am. At that time, they said that they were not going to release any information regarding the identity of the person who died until next of kin is notified.
Deputies are on scene of a death investigation at Paisley Park in Chanhassen. More info to follow. -814
— Carver County S.O. (@CarverSheriff) April 21, 2016
A rep for the singer has since confirmed his death to the Associated Press:
BREAKING: Publicist: Pop music superstar Prince has died at his home in suburban Minneapolis.
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 21, 2016
Prince, whose real name is Prince Rogers Nelson, served as a major figure in popular music for over 3 decades. He was renowned as an innovator and was widely known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, and wide vocal range, and widely regarded as the pioneer of Minneapolis sound.
Prince has won 7 Grammy Awards and earned 30 nominations. 5 of his singles have topped the charts and 14 other songs hit the Top 10. He won an Oscar for the original song score to the classic film “Purple Rain”.
Earlier this month, Prince said he wasn’t feeling well and canceled at least one concert in the city.
Then, about a week ago, Prince’s private plane made an emergency landing after a gig in the middle of the night in Moline, Illinois so he could go to a hospital. Varying reports said he was suffering dehydration and was getting over the flu. He was released after 3 hours and flew home, where he was recovering at home.
UPDATE (22nd April, 3:44am):
According to a statement released by the Carver County Sheriff’s department, Prince was found unresponsive inside an elevator. First responders then attempted to provide CPR but were unable to revive him.
Prince was found unresponsive inside an elevator at Paisley Park, according to statement released by @CarverSheriff pic.twitter.com/BurGazpE0z
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) April 21, 2016
Developing story…
Sources: Associated Press, Carver County S.O., Rolling Stone, TMZ, CNN.
