Three individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, according to a statement from Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office. The charges, which include abandonment of a person followed by death and the supply and facilitation of narcotics, mark a significant development in the investigation that has gripped both fans and authorities.
The suspects, whose names have not been released, were charged following a meticulous probe into Payne's final days at the "Casa Sur" hotel on Costa Rica Street, where he stayed from October 13 to 16. "Illicit conduct was discovered from which three people were charged with the crimes," stated the prosecutor's office in its November 7 release. The charges stem from evidence of drug use and Payne's apparent state of diminished consciousness leading up to his fatal fall.
One suspect, described as a close companion of Payne's during his Buenos Aires stay, faces charges of abandonment of a person following death. A second suspect, a hotel employee, is accused of supplying cocaine to the singer on two occasions. The third suspect, identified as a "drug supplier," allegedly provided narcotics twice during Payne's stay. Authorities executed nine raids this week in their effort to piece together Payne's final movements.
The circumstances surrounding the singer's tragic death were further clarified through toxicology reports. Prosecutors disclosed that Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system in the 72 hours leading up to his death. The presence of "pink cocaine," a potent recreational substance typically made from MDMA, ketamine, and methamphetamine, was also confirmed. Officials noted that this drug often contains no actual cocaine despite its name and is typically colored with food dye.
Forensic analysis determined that Payne died from "multiple trauma" and "internal and external hemorrhage" caused by the fall. Autopsy findings ruled out self-harm and interference from another person. Prosecutors highlighted that since Payne "did not adopt a reflex posture" during the fall, it suggests he may have been in a state of semi or total unconsciousness. The troubling details have raised further questions about the extent of Payne's struggles in his final hours.
Authorities have undertaken an exhaustive investigation, gathering testimonies from hotel staff, friends, family, medical professionals, biochemists, and psychiatrists. They have also pored over more than 800 hours of security footage from the hotel and nearby public areas and analyzed the contents of Payne's cell phone. The findings paint a harrowing picture of a man grappling with self-destructive behavior, exacerbated by substance use.
On the day of his death, hotel staff reportedly contacted emergency services after Payne "overindulged in drugs and alcohol" and began causing destruction in his room. A 911 call captured the urgency of the situation, with a hotel representative warning, "The guest is in a room that has a balcony, and, well, we are a little afraid that he might do something life-threatening." Payne was found dead shortly after the call.
The singer's body was released to his father, Geoff Payne, last weekend. Payne, who rose to fame as a member of the global pop phenomenon One Direction, was beloved by fans around the world. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and questions about the circumstances that led to his untimely passing.
