Singer Liam Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. A toxicology report showed alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system. Investigators ruled out suicide. They believe Payne was not fully conscious during the fall. Two hotel workers may face charges. Surveillance footage showed Payne intoxicated before the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
AgenciesLiam Payne
Singer Liam Payne died in Argentina after falling from a hotel balcony on October 16. A toxicology report shows he had alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system, according to a report of The Mirror.
While ruling out suicide, officials said, “in the state he was in, he did not know what he was doing and could not understand it.” The 31-year-old One Direction star was at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Investigators believe Payne was in a state of “semi- or total unconsciousness” during the fall. He did not appear to try to protect himself, according to the report from the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office released November 7.
Two hotel workers, including the head receptionist who called emergency services, are now being investigated. Three other individuals are also facing questioning. Two are accused of providing Payne with drugs, and another faces potential charges of abandonment followed by death.
Security footage shows Payne appearing intoxicated in the hotel lobby before staff intervened. Witnesses say he resisted being confined to his room and threatened to escape via the balcony. Hotel staff used a master key to put him in the room, then called emergency services. One employee stated in the 911 call, “I don’t know whether his life may be in danger. He is in a room with a balcony, and, well, we’re a little afraid.”
Payne was later found dead in an internal courtyard with a bag over his shoulder, suggesting he may have been trying to leave. An autopsy concluded he died instantly from “multiple traumatic injuries” and “internal and external haemorrhage” resulting from the fall. A judge will question the hotel employees on December 19.
