The cause of death for Liam Payne, the former One Direction star who tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, has been officially confirmed as polytrauma, a term referring to multiple traumatic injuries affecting multiple organs or systems. Payne, 31, died on October 16, 2023, after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur hotel.
An inquest held in Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court in December shed light on the circumstances surrounding Payne's death. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler noted that investigations in Argentina remain ongoing and that obtaining details about the events leading to Payne's fatal fall "may take some time."
The UK inquest follows a preliminary autopsy report from Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office, which confirmed that Payne suffered 25 injuries, including fatal head trauma and internal and external hemorrhages. Prosecutors noted no defensive wounds or signs of third-party involvement, leading to speculation that his death was accidental.
Toxicology reports revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in Payne's system at the time of his death, raising questions about his state of mind and physical condition. Payne, who had previously struggled with addiction, had reportedly relapsed after a period of sobriety.
In Argentina, the legal fallout continues, with five individuals charged in connection to Payne's death. These include hotel manager Gilda Martín and receptionist Esteban Grassi, both charged with manslaughter for allegedly failing to provide adequate care. Martín is accused of allowing Payne to be taken to his hotel room despite the risks posed by his impaired condition and the presence of a balcony.
Grassi allegedly directed three individuals to drag Payne to his room when he could not stand, a decision Judge Laura Bruniard described as "imprudent." Video footage reportedly shows Payne unconscious and being carried to his room, highlighting what the judge called a "state of vulnerability."
Payne's friend, Roger Nores, also faces manslaughter charges. Prosecutors allege that Nores, aware of Payne's addictions, "abandoned him to his luck" without seeking medical attention. Nores was reportedly present in the hotel 50 minutes before Payne's fall and is accused of neglecting his responsibilities as a caregiver.
Two other individuals, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz, have been charged with supplying cocaine to Payne in the days leading up to his death. Pereyra and Paiz face potential prison sentences of four to 15 years.
Payne's death has sent shockwaves through the music industry and his global fanbase. A member of the internationally renowned boy band One Direction, Payne rose to fame on The X Factor before embarking on a successful solo career. His debut album, LP1, included hit tracks like "Strip That Down" and "Polaroid."
The singer's funeral took place on November 20 in the English countryside, attended by family, close friends, and former One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan. Cheryl Tweedy, Payne's former partner and the mother of his son, Bear, was also present.
Fans and colleagues have expressed their grief, remembering Payne not only for his musical talent but also for his charismatic personality and generosity. However, his struggles with addiction and mental health have also sparked conversations about the pressures of fame and the challenges faced by young artists in the spotlight.
As investigations continue, the UK inquest into Payne's death has been adjourned until November 6, 2024. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings in Argentina are expected to delve deeper into the roles and responsibilities of those charged.
"Whilst there are ongoing investigations in Argentina into the circumstances of Liam's death, over which I have no legal jurisdiction, it is anticipated that procuring the relevant information to address particularly how Liam came by his death may take some time," Coroner Butler said during the hearing.
