Three people have been charged in connection with the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, according to Argentinian authorities. The singer tragically died on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires.
One individual accompanying Payne has been charged with abandonment resulting in death, as well as the supply and facilitation of drugs. Additionally, a hotel employee and a third person have been charged with supplying drugs, though none of those arrested have been publicly identified.
Payne, 31, a father and a prominent figure in pop music, gained fame through his participation in The X Factor and as a member of One Direction during the 2010s. Authorities in Argentina are investigating his final days at the CasaSur hotel.
Following the incident, police discovered substances in Payne’s hotel room, along with damaged furniture and belongings. Emergency services received reports from hotel staff indicating that Payne had consumed “too many drugs and alcohol” and was causing a disturbance in his room.
The public prosecutor’s office has reported that toxicology tests revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in Payne’s system. A post-mortem examination confirmed that his death was caused by “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” from the fall.
Medical reports suggest that Payne may have fallen while in a state of semi or total unconsciousness, leading authorities to conclude that he was not aware of his actions.
In the course of their investigation, authorities have conducted nine raids in Buenos Aires and are examining a broken laptop and other devices confiscated from Payne’s room. The prosecutor’s office has reviewed over 800 hours of security camera footage from the hotel and nearby areas, alongside testimonies from hotel staff, family, friends, and medical professionals.
Payne’s body was returned to his family on Wednesday for repatriation to the UK. Following his death, tributes poured in from his former partner Cheryl, One Direction bandmates, and music mogul Simon Cowell.
Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Harry Styles expressed their devastation in a joint statement, stating they would “terribly miss” Payne and that the “memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.” Thousands of fans also paid tribute to the late singer at memorial events held in the UK and around the world.
Credit: BBC News
