Prince autopsy results: It could be weeks before cause of musician’s death is confirmed to public

An autopsy is underway but coroners will not release preliminary information

(Getty Images)

It could take days or even weeks before the public is told the cause of Prince’s sudden death.

Coroners are carrying out an autopsy a day after the legendary musician was found slumped in an elevator of his home in Minnesota. Medical personnel dispatched to his home performed CPR on him but were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 57.

A spokesman for the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office told the Associated Press the agency does not plan to release any preliminary information until autopsy results are completed.

Spokeswoman Martha Weaver said the process will likely take days or even weeks for tests to be completed and no preliminary results will be released in the meantime. Instead, the office will wait to publish findings when all the information is in.

Prince, real name Prince Rogers Nelson, was hospitalised after his jet made an emergency landing on Friday morning, prompting concerns for his health.

A spokesperson later said he was suffering from the flu prior to the performance and the plane landed at Moline so he could receive treatment there. He returned home soon after.