Prince died from an opioid overdose.
Fentanyl ( also known as fentanil ) is a potent , synthetic opioid pain medication with a rapid onset and short duration of action . Opioid . , derived from words meaning or , as an American legal term , refers to cocaine and opioids , and their source materials ; it is also loosely applied to any illegal or controlled psychoactive drug . Prince (musician) . Prince died from a fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park recording studio and home in Chanhassen , Minnesota , on April 21 , 2016 , at the age of 57 .