Singer Liam Payne, former member of One Direction, died on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires.
A UK inquest has confirmed his medical cause of death as “polytrauma,” a term describing multiple traumatic injuries affecting various organ systems.
The inquest, held at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court on December 17, revealed it may take significant time to determine how the 31-year-old came by his death due to ongoing investigations in Argentina.
Senior Coroner Crispin Butler emphasized the need for information from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to proceed with the inquiry.
Dr. Roberto Victor Cohen, who conducted the medical assessment, confirmed the cause of death as “polytrauma.” Additionally, a post-mortem examination indicated Payne suffered “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” resulting from the fall.
Toxicology reports from Argentina revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system.
Medical evidence suggested Payne may have fallen while in a state of partial or total unconsciousness, ruling out a deliberate act.
Five individuals in Argentina have been charged in connection with Payne’s death.
The hotel’s manager, Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend Roger Nores face manslaughter charges, while hotel worker Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz are accused of supplying drugs.
Payne, who gained international fame as a member of One Direction after appearing on The X Factor, was one of the most recognizable figures in pop during the 2010s.
Following the band’s hiatus in 2016, he pursued a solo career and continued to engage with fans.
His funeral was held in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in November, attended by former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, along with Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy and his ex-partner Cheryl, with whom he shares a son.
The inquest has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review scheduled for November 6.
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