Criminal Investigation Launched After Details Of Prince's Death Revealed

A criminal investigation into Prince's death has been launched after it was revealed just hours ago that the late singer died from an overdose of a synthetic opioid called fentanyl.

A report from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office was released in the US earlier today which confirmed that "the decendent self-administered fentanyl" — a prescription painkiller believed to be up to 50 times more potent than heroin. 

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The report also states that the manner of Prince's death was accidental.

Prince Rogers Nelson investigation results attached pic.twitter.com/CMt6lQSGxJ

— Midwest Medical Exam (@MidwestMedExam) June 2, 2016

According to TMZ, a criminal investigation has been launched into how the music icon obtained the drug, just weeks after authorities carried out a search warrant at his Paisley Park estate, as the report does not state if the fentanyl was prescribed or illicitly obtained. 

It is believed that Prince was seeking help for an addiction to painkiller medication just days before his tragic death on 21 April.