Argentinian authorities have charged three individuals in connection with the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who passed away on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires.
According to the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, one of Payne’s associates has been charged with abandonment of a person leading to death, along with supplying and facilitating drugs.
Additionally, a hotel employee and a third individual are also facing charges related to drug supply. None of the individuals involved have been publicly named.
Payne, 31, rose to international fame after appearing on The X Factor and becoming a member of One Direction in the 2010s. A father of one, he remained a prominent figure in pop music long after his band’s success.
The investigation into Payne’s final days at the CasaSur hotel has revealed disturbing details. After his death, authorities found substances, as well as damaged furniture, in his hotel room.
Reports indicate that hotel staff had contacted emergency services twice, citing concerns that the singer had taken “too many drugs and alcohol” and was “trashing the entire room.”
On Thursday, the public prosecutor’s office reported toxicology results indicating the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in Payne’s system.
The post-mortem examination concluded that the singer died from “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” resulting from his fall.
Medical evaluations further suggested Payne may have been in a state of semi or complete unconsciousness at the time of his fall, ruling out the possibility of a conscious or voluntary act.
Authorities in Argentina have intensified their efforts, conducting nine raids across Buenos Aires as part of the ongoing investigation.
They are examining Payne’s broken laptop and other devices recovered from the scene.
More than 800 hours of security footage from the hotel and nearby areas have been reviewed, and numerous testimonies from hotel staff, family members, friends, and medical professionals have been gathered.
Payne’s body was released to his family on Wednesday and will be flown back to the UK.
In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from Payne’s former partner Cheryl, his One Direction bandmates, and music industry icon Simon Cowell.
In a joint statement, bandmates Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Harry Styles expressed their devastation, stating, “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.”
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