BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentinian authorities have arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024.
The Buenos Aires public prosecutor’s office announced the charges on Thursday, November 7, 2024, following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death.
The prosecutor’s statement revealed that the individuals face charges related to abandonment, as well as the supply and facilitation of narcotics.
Specifically, a person close to Payne during his time in Buenos Aires has been charged with “abandonment of a person followed by death.”
Additionally, a hotel employee and another individual have been charged with supplying narcotics to Payne during his stay, including allegations of repeated cocaine provision.
According to toxicology reports from the prosecutor’s office, Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system within 72 hours prior to his death.
Initial media reports had suggested the presence of a substance known as “pink cocaine,” typically comprising MDMA, ketamine, and methamphetamine, though this was not confirmed in the prosecutor’s statement.
The autopsy report concluded that Payne’s death resulted from “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” following his fall from the third-floor balcony.
Forensic examiners determined that the injuries were consistent with a fall from this height, ruling out any evidence of self-harm or external interference.
They further noted that Payne’s lack of reflexive movement during the fall suggested he might have been in a state of partial or full unconsciousness.
According to the authorities, prosecutors conducted an exhaustive examination of evidence throughout the investigation, including testimony from hotel staff, family members, medical experts, and friends.
The team also analysed over 800 hours of security footage and reviewed data from Payne’s phone, seeking clarity on the final hours leading up to his death.
Local media reports have described Payne’s erratic behaviour on the night of the incident, with hotel staff reportedly calling emergency services after observing that he was “breaking the whole room” following heavy drug and alcohol use.
In a recorded emergency call, a staff member expressed concern over Payne’s access to the balcony, fearing he might engage in self-harm. Payne was found dead only minutes after the call.
Following the investigation, Payne’s body was released to his father, Geoff Payne, last weekend.
Payne, aged 31, rose to international fame as a member of the boy band One Direction.
His untimely death has left fans and the music industry in mourning as questions persist over the circumstances that led to his tragic fall in Argentina.
