The tragic death of Liam Payne, the 31-year-old former One Direction star, has drawn intense scrutiny following revelations that his psychiatrist had stopped treating him just weeks before his fatal fall from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires. In a letter filed with Argentine authorities, Payne's psychiatrist stated that she had advised the British singer in September that he needed a "higher level of care" than she could provide.
The psychiatrist's letter, obtained by the court, outlined her decision to cease treatment "after careful consideration and assessment." She emphasized that Payne required ongoing therapy, adherence to prescribed medications, and avoidance of alcohol while on antidepressants. The letter included a list of recommended doctors and rehabilitation centers that could provide the comprehensive care Payne needed. She urged Payne to continue therapy to address his "depression and trauma," describing this step as vital for his well-being. "Thank you for your understanding, and I wish you the very best in your continued journey toward mental health and well-being," the psychiatrist wrote.
Payne, who had publicly acknowledged his struggles with addiction, celebrated six months of sobriety in July 2023 after completing 100 days in rehab. In a candid video shared on YouTube, he told fans, "I definitely don't need those things anymore. The party's over." However, his sobriety faltered the following year, with toxicology reports revealing the presence of cocaine, alcohol, and an antidepressant in his system at the time of his death.
The singer's relapse coincided with his stay at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, where he was accompanied by friends and girlfriend Kate Cassidy. On October 16, Payne fell to his death from a third-floor balcony. Prosecutors have since ruled out suicide, stating that Payne was in a state of "semi or total unconsciousness" and "didn't know what he was doing" at the time of the fall.
Argentine authorities have charged five individuals in connection with Payne's death. Among them are waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz and hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra, both accused of supplying cocaine to Payne shortly before his death. Prosecutors allege that Paiz sold Payne cocaine twice on October 14, just days before the tragedy. In his defense, Paiz claimed that he and Payne "got high together" but denied being a drug dealer, saying, "I never took drugs to him or accepted any money."
Hotel managers Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi have been charged with manslaughter for allegedly failing to intervene despite signs of Payne's deteriorating condition. Grassi, identified as one of the individuals who helped carry Payne back to his room shortly before his fatal fall, reportedly received repeated calls from the singer requesting alcohol and drugs.
Payne's close friend, Rogelio "Roger" Nores, has also faced accusations of negligence. Nores has denied abandoning Payne, stating, "I never abandoned Liam. I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened." Nores has been banned from leaving Argentina as the investigation continues.
Payne's girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, has cooperated with authorities as a witness. A source close to Cassidy told the Daily Mirror that she wants "the right people to be brought to justice" and has been providing details about Payne's final days. Cassidy, who had been vocal about supporting Payne in his battle with addiction, reportedly remains haunted by the events leading up to his death.
