Argentinian authorities have charged three individuals in connection with the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16.
The charges come after a thorough investigation by the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, which has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the singer’s untimely death at the age of 31.
Payne, known for his rise to fame as a member of One Direction following his appearance on The X Factor in 2010, reportedly fell from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur hotel, where he had been staying.
Authorities have charged one individual, who had accompanied the singer, with abandonment resulting in death and the supply and facilitation of drugs.
A hotel employee and a third individual have also been charged with supplying drugs. However, none of those arrested have been named publicly.
The investigation into Payne’s final days revealed that hotel staff had called emergency services twice, stating that the singer was “trashing the entire room” due to the effects of drugs and alcohol.
Upon arriving at the scene, police found substances in Payne’s hotel room and discovered signs of extensive damage to the room’s furniture and objects. These findings have played a central role in the ongoing investigation.
Toxicology tests conducted after Payne’s death revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that his cause of death was “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” from the fall.
The prosecutor’s office added that medical reports indicated Payne may have fallen while in a semi or total unconscious state, ruling out the possibility that it was a conscious or voluntary act.
Authorities have carried out multiple raids in Buenos Aires as part of their investigation, with over 800 hours of hotel and street surveillance footage reviewed.
Additionally, medical professionals, hotel staff, family members, and friends have provided testimonies, helping piece together the events leading up to Payne’s death.
Investigators have also seized Payne’s broken laptop and other devices, though the contents remain under examination.
The charges against the three individuals have raised significant questions about Payne’s final moments and the circumstances leading to his fall. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests or charges.
Following his tragic death, tributes poured in from across the globe. Former One Direction bandmates Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Harry Styles expressed their devastation in a joint statement, describing Payne as a cherished friend.
“We will miss him terribly,” they said, “and the memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.” Cheryl, Payne’s former partner, also paid her respects, as did music mogul Simon Cowell, who had worked with the singer throughout his career.
Fans around the world have gathered for memorial events in honor of the late artist, remembering him for his talent, kindness, and the unforgettable mark he left on the music industry.
Payne’s body was released to his family on Wednesday, and arrangements are underway to return his remains to the United Kingdom. Authorities continue to search for answers regarding the details of his death, with the investigation expected to take several more weeks to complete.
