Argentinian authorities have charged three individuals in connection with the tragic death of One Direction star Liam Payne. The 31-year-old singer died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. Payne’s death shocked fans around the world, especially given his rise to fame with the internationally renowned boy band and his continued success in music.
The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office revealed that one of the individuals, who had been with Payne at the time of the incident, faces charges of “abandonment of a person followed by death.” A hotel employee and a third individual face charges for supplying drugs. However, authorities have yet to release the names of those arrested.
Payne became a household name after appearing on The X Factor and achieving worldwide fame with One Direction. He was also a father.
Authorities have been investigating his final days at the CasaSur hotel, where he stayed before his death. After the incident, police discovered drugs in his hotel room. They also found broken furniture and destroyed objects. Hotel staff made two emergency calls, reporting Payne had overdosed on drugs and alcohol. They said he had trashed his room.
Toxicology reports confirmed Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system. A post-mortem examination revealed that Payne died from “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” caused by the fall. Medical reports suggest he may have fallen while semi-conscious or unconscious. This rules out the possibility of a deliberate or voluntary act.
As part of the investigation, authorities have conducted nine raids in Buenos Aires. They also seized Payne’s broken laptop and other devices. In addition, they reviewed over 800 hours of security footage from the hotel and surrounding areas. Authorities have interviewed hotel staff, family members, friends, and medical professionals to gather further information.
Payne’s body was released to his family on Wednesday. It is now being prepared for repatriation to the UK. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence surrounding his tragic death.
