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 California doctor Howard Kornfeld was first contacted by
Prince representatives on April 20, one day before the singer's
body was discovered at his home, attorney William Mauzy told
reporters.
"Dr. Kornfeld felt that his mission was a life-saving mission,"
Mauzy said.
The news came shortly before federal authorities, including the
Drug Enforcement Administration, announced they were joining the
investigation into Prince's death.
The cause of death remains undetermined, and it could be weeks
before autopsy results are released. Police have said they found
no signs of suicide or obvious trauma.
Kornfeld, who runs Recovery Without Walls, a clinic in Mill
Valley, California, planned to fly to Minnesota to meet with
Prince on April 22, Mauzy said. In the meantime, his son, Andrew
Kornfeld, a staff member at his clinic, traveled to Minnesota on
April 21 for an initial discussion.
When Andrew Kornfeld arrived at Paisley Park, the home-studio
complex Prince owned in a Minneapolis suburb, the singer was not
available, Mauzy said. A staff member found the artist
unconscious in an elevator, and Kornfeld called 911.
Prescription opioid medication was found at the scene, according
to a law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation
but not authorized to speak publicly.
Mauzy confirmed Andrew Kornfeld had opioid medication used to
treat pain and addiction in his backpack, but emphasized that no
drugs were given to Prince by the doctor or his son.
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It was not immediately clear whether Kornfeld's drugs were the same
medication the law enforcement source said was found at the scene.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney's office in Minnesota said it
would join the Carver County Sheriff's ongoing probe into Prince's
death.
"The DEA and U.S. Attorney's office are able to augment this local
investigation with federal resources and expertise about
prescription drug diversion," the office said.
Mauzy expressed concern that Andrew Kornfeld could face charges, but
said he believes he would have immunity with regard to the
medication in his backpack under a Good Samaritan 911 law. The
lawyer did not elaborate further on possible charges.
Andrew Kornfeld was interviewed by investigators from the sheriff's
office on April 21 and returned to California that night, Mauzy
said.
Howard Kornfeld's clinic specializes in medical treatment for
chronic pain and drug and alcohol addiction, according to its
website.
"Dr. Kornfeld was never able to meet Prince, never talked to Prince,
and was sadly not able to arrive in time to help Prince," Mauzy
said.
Representatives for the late singer did not immediately respond to a
request for comment.
(Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis and Joseph Ax; Editing by
Andrew Hay and Sandra Maler)
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