Three individuals face charges in connection with the untimely death of One Direction singer Liam Payne, who tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last month.
At a Glance
- Three people are charged in relation to Liam Payne’s death in Argentina.
- The charges include abandonment of a person followed by death and drug-related offenses.
- Payne died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony on October 16.
- Toxicology reports revealed presence of alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in Payne’s system.
Details of the Charges
Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office has announced charges against three individuals in connection with the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne. The charges stem from an extensive investigation that utilized over 800 hours of hotel security footage and Payne’s phone records to piece together the events leading to his tragic fall.
The first suspect, described by prosecutors as someone who “accompanied the artist on a daily basis during his stay in the city of Buenos Aires,” faces charges of abandonment of a person followed by death and supply and facilitation of narcotics. This individual allegedly posed as Payne’s manager and withheld critical information about the singer’s drug relapse from his family.
Three people have been charged in Argentina for crimes related to the death of Liam Payne, a former member of the boyband One Direction, according to the public prosecutor’s office. https://t.co/Ta9QafMV9M
— WTVA 9 News (@wtva9news) November 7, 2024
Hotel Employee and Drug Supplier Implicated
The second suspect is a hotel employee accused of supplying Payne with cocaine. The third individual, identified as a “drug supplier,” faces two counts of supplying narcotics. These charges highlight the alleged network of individuals who may have contributed to Payne’s substance abuse in the days leading up to his death.
Authorities have confirmed that Payne’s death was not a suicide, nor was he pushed. The investigation revealed that Payne had a combination of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his death.
Circumstances Surrounding Payne’s Death
On the night of October 16, Payne fell from a third-floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires. Forensic doctors stated that “it can be inferred that he may have fallen in a state of semi or total unconsciousness,” suggesting that his impaired state contributed to the accident. The fall resulted in “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage,” causing Payne to die instantly upon impact.
Witnesses reported erratic behavior from Payne in the days leading up to his death. Hotel staff became so concerned for his safety that they called 911 shortly before he was found dead. These reports, combined with the toxicology findings, paint a troubling picture of the singer’s final days.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Response
The prosecutor’s office has stated that their investigation will continue, as they work to unlock Payne’s personal devices for additional evidence. Payne’s father traveled to Argentina following the tragedy but faced delays in repatriating his son’s body. It has since been confirmed that Payne’s remains have been returned to his family in the United Kingdom.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the music industry and fans worldwide continue to mourn the loss of the talented young singer. The charges brought against these three individuals serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of responsible management in the entertainment industry.
Sources
- 3 charged in connection to Liam Payne’s death
- Three Charged in Connection to Liam Payne’s Death
- 3 charged, including hotel worker, for allegedly dealing drugs to Liam Payne before singer plunged to death
- 3 people arrested and charged in connection with Liam Payne’s death, Argentine authorities say