Argentinian authorities have ruled out suicide in the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who fell from a third-floor balcony at his Buenos Aires hotel on October 16. Prosecutors have charged three individuals in connection with the incident, accusing them of "abandonment of a person followed by death" and supplying narcotics. Payne was 31 at the time of his death.
According to a statement from Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office, Payne's injuries were consistent with a fall from height, ruling out self-inflicted harm or intervention by another person. Forensic analysis indicated that Payne "did not adopt a reflex posture to protect himself from the fall" and suggested that he "may have fallen in a state of semi or total unconsciousness."
The tragic incident, which occurred at the upscale Hotel Casa Sur in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, prompted a police response due to reports from hotel staff of an "aggressive man" who might have been under the influence. A subsequent toxicology report revealed that Payne had multiple drugs in his system, including alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant.
Investigators described Payne's hotel room as "in complete disarray," with broken items, packs of medication, and other substances found among his belongings. Forensic teams also recovered a whiskey bottle, lighter, and cellphone from the courtyard where Payne's body was discovered. The circumstances have raised questions about Payne's final hours and those who were present.
Three suspects have been charged in relation to Payne's death. One suspect, identified as a close associate who was with Payne daily during his time in Buenos Aires, faces charges of abandonment leading to death. The second suspect, a hotel employee, and the third, an alleged drug supplier, are charged with supplying cocaine to Payne. The charges reflect the authorities' view that their actions or inactions contributed to Payne's untimely death.
Payne, born in Wolverhampton, England, rose to international fame as a member of One Direction, one of the most successful boy bands in history. After finding success on "The X Factor" and releasing five albums as part of the group, Payne launched a solo career, releasing his album "LP1" in 2019. He leaves behind a 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.
The investigation into Payne's death is ongoing. Officials are working to unlock additional digital devices, including Payne's personal netbook, for further evidence. The prosecutor's office emphasized that while significant evidence has been gathered, more work is needed to fully understand the circumstances surrounding Payne's death.
Prosecutors have indicated that Payne's family has been kept informed throughout the investigation, including receiving the results of the toxicology report. Payne's father, Geoff Payne, took custody of his son's remains after the completion of the autopsy.
