Sources say the 57-year-old took so many painkillers his condition became critical, and police are looking into if he was prescribed too many
Everyone aboard the flight on which Prince allegedly suffered an overdose of painkillers days before his death is to be quizzed by police.
Investigators said they want to speak to the singer’s friends, staff and flight crew – as it was claimed he had needed emergency treatment for the same drug used by fierce rival Michael Jackson.
Sources say the 57-year-old took so many Percocet painkillers shortly after performing in Atlanta eight days ago that his condition became critical.
And his team were so fearful for his safety they diverted the Gulfstream jet to Moline, Illinois to get urgent medical attention – despite being only 48 minutes from his home.
At the hospital the pop superstar was reportedly administered a “save shot” normally given in dire circumstances to overdose victims.
Doctors advised Prince would need to be monitored for 24 hours – but when his management failed to secure him a private room they discharged him.
When he left the hospital after just three hours he was described as “not doing well”.
Yet the 5ft 2ins singer made an appearance at a party in Minnesota the next day, assuring worried fans they should “wait a few days before you waste any prayers”.
A police source said: “We understand Prince suffered chronic pain after developing a hip problem. Naturally he took painkillers to ease his troubles but police are looking into if he was prescribed too many.
“We have seen in the case of Jackson how people can acquire large quantities of drugs when really they should be monitored.”
The autopsy on Prince was completed on Friday and his body was due to be released that night to his family. Results are likely not to be available for some weeks as medics await the outcome of tests.
Percocet contains oxycodone, associated for 30 years with high levels of drug abuse. That is a key component of Oxycontin – one of the drugs most abused by Jackson.
Known as “hillybilly heroin”, it is widely sold illegally.
When police searched Jackson’s home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles after his death, they found massive quantities of opioid-based medication, including Percocet.