Story highlights
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday
Fans host dance parties, singalongs to mourn Prince
The singer's death spurs a massive outpouring of grief on social media
As stunned fans mourned legendary singer Prince, questions remained on what killed him days after he performed in Atlanta to rave reviews.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. An autopsy will be conducted Friday, starting at 9 a.m. CT (10 a.m. ET).
Prince Rogers Nelson, 57, died Thursday after he was found unresponsive in an elevator at his studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Paramedics tried to perform CPR but were unable to revive him, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m., less than 30 minutes after sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical call at the scene.
An outpouring of grief followed as fans paid tribute to the singer who masterfully blended rock, R&B, jazz, funk and pop.
’Finality of a giant chapter’
In his home state of Minnesota, where he was a favorite native son, they wanted to remember Prince. And they did it in a way he probably would have approved of: They danced.
Tears fell freely as they blasted hits such as “Nothing Compares 2 u” and held impromptu dance parties decked out in Prince gear.
Fans celebrate Prince at First Avenue nightclub
A sea of people in purple outfits lined the streets with purple flowers and stuffed animals.
“When I heard [the news of his death], it was like the finality of a giant chapter of my life knowing that there would be no more music,” said Allison Werthmann-Radnich, who choked up on the streets of Minneapolis.
“Memories of Prince and his music are the background and cornerstone of pretty much every important event in my life. Prom, weddings, New Year’s Eve celebrations, concerts at First Avenue and 7th Street Avenue.”
She said she looked up to him for not compromising his artistic integrity.
” And he had success because of it,” she said.
In Minneapolis, crowds ranged in age from their 20s to their 80s. They sang, embraced and talked about how Prince showed the music industry you don’t need to be from the East or West Coast to make it big.
Tributes pour in
Fans camped out by Paisley Park, the artist’s home and recording studio, leaving bouquets of flowers and signs.