Three individuals have been charged in connection with the tragic death of singer Liam Payne, known for his time with the popular boy band One Direction. Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office reported that a hotel employee and another individual are facing charges related to drug supply.
Payne, who was only 31 years old and a father, passed away on October 16 after falling from the third floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires. The investigation into his last moments at the CasaSur hotel has revealed distressing details. Hotel staff had reported that they made two emergency calls, indicating that Payne had consumed a dangerous mix of drugs and alcohol, and was behaving erratically, damaging the hotel room.
In the aftermath of his death, toxicology tests indicated the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system. A post-mortem examination attributed his cause of death to “multiple trauma” along with “internal and external hemorrhage” due to the fall. Medical reports suggest he may have fallen from the balcony while unconscious or semi-conscious, indicating he was not in control of his actions at the time.
Investigators have conducted extensive work, including nine raids in Buenos Aires, reviewing over 800 hours of video surveillance from within the hotel and surrounding areas. They have collected testimonies from various individuals, including hotel staff and those close to Payne.
While this news is indeed tragic, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with substance abuse and the critical importance of intervention in situations of crisis. The investigation continues as authorities strive to piece together the events leading up to this heartbreaking incident.
In a hopeful note, as more details come to light, it is expected that the outcome of this investigation may lead to greater awareness and preventive measures regarding substance abuse, potentially saving lives in the future. Payne’s family has now received his body to begin the journey home to the UK, marking the start of their grieving process.