UPDATE: TMZ, the outlet which broke the news of Prince's death, has since claimed that the pop superstar was treated for a drug overdose just six days before he died.
Digital Spy has contacted Prince's representatives for comment, but has not yet received any confirmation or denial of these claims.
The pop superstar was hospitalized last week after an emergency plane landing, with his representatives at the time stating it was for a severe case of flu.
The website however claims that Prince was given a "save shot" by medics to tackle the effects of an opiate. As a private room was unavailable, he was said to have flown home following the three-hour visit.
Prince joined the Jehovah's Witnesses in 2001, later describing his shifting faith as a "realisation" rather than conversion. Drug use is forbidden according to the religion.
An autopsy is taking place today (Friday, April 22), and the truth or otherwise of these claims may emerge from its findings.
But Martha Weaver at the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office is keen to stress that results from the examination may not be released for several weeks pending the outcome of tests - and that speculation about the cause of death is just that.
"Nothing will be released until everything is complete. Nothing can be reported with a pending status," she told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday.
ORIGINAL REPORT
Prince has died at the age of 57.
The music superstar died on Thursday at his home in suburban Minneapolis.
"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57," said his spokesperson.
"There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time."
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of death at Prince's Paisley Park Studios, with early reports indicating that the singer was discovered in an elevator. His autopsy will be performed on Friday (April 22).
Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson has told the press that responding officers tried to revive Prince with CPR, but he was unresponsive.
The star was hospitalised last week after an ongoing case of flu worsened, and was later checked out by doctors to rest at home.
He is said to have told fans during his final public appearance at Paisley Park on Saturday: "Wait a few days before you waste any prayers."
Prince Rogers Nelson, known by his mononym Prince, released 39 albums throughout his prolific and universally acclaimed career.
The pop icon rose to fame in the 1970s, and became an international star with his inimitable and sexually charged blend of funk, rock and soul.
His 1984 Purple Rain film and album projected him into an international megastar, and in the decades that followed he cemented his status as one of the most important and influential figures in pop music.
