Argentina files charges against three individuals in connection with the death of One Direction’s Liam Payne.
Argentinian prosecutors reported the arrest of a suspected drug dealer, a hotel employee, and an associate of the singer. Liam Payne passed away last month after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Argentinian prosecutors announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with the death of British singer Liam Payne, who tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last month. Those detained include a suspected drug dealer, a hotel employee, and a person close to Payne.
The former One Direction member’s sudden death shocked fans worldwide. Authorities revealed that the hotel staff member and drug dealer allegedly supplied Payne with cocaine during his stay, while the individual accompanying Payne is charged with “abandonment of a person followed by death,” according to prosecutor Andres Madrea.
Although the names of the accused have not been released, officials have barred them from leaving Argentina. Payne is survived by his parents, sisters, and son.
What were the circumstances of Payne’s death?
The 31-year-old singer was staying at a hotel in upscale neighborhood of Palermo in Buenos Aires.
A hotel employee had made an emergency 911 call shortly before his death, saying that he was acting aggressively and could have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Witnesses told local media they had seen Payne smash his laptop in the hotel lobby on the day of his death.
A statement from the prosecutor’s office said an autopsy report revealed traces of cocaine, alcohol and prescription anti-depressant in Payne’s system.
The autopsy said he died from multiple injuries and external bleeding due to the fall. It showed his injuries were not caused by self-harm nor by others.
Payne’s body was flown back to England and handed to his father Geoff. He is survived by his parents and two sisters, as well as a 7-year-old son.
Why was Payne in Argentina?
Argentinian prosecutors announced Friday that three individuals have been charged in connection with the death of British singer Liam Payne, who fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last month. The individuals detained include a suspected drug dealer, a hotel employee, and an acquaintance of the singer.
Payne, a former member of the popular boy band One Direction, died in a tragic incident in the upscale Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Authorities allege that the drug dealer and hotel employee provided Payne with cocaine during his stay, while the person accompanying him faces a charge of “abandonment of a person followed by death,” prosecutor Andres Madrea stated.
The names of those charged have not been disclosed, but authorities have restricted them from leaving the country.
Details Surrounding Payne’s Death
The 31-year-old singer reportedly displayed erratic behavior in the hours leading up to his death, with a hotel staff member calling emergency services, describing Payne as aggressive and possibly under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Witnesses reported seeing him destroy his laptop in the hotel lobby on the day of the incident.
An autopsy confirmed that Payne had cocaine, alcohol, and an anti-depressant in his system at the time of death, concluding he died from multiple injuries and severe bleeding due to the fall. The report ruled out self-harm and foul play.
Following the autopsy, Payne’s body was returned to England, where it was received by his father Geoff. He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and a 7-year-old son.
What Brought Payne to Argentina?
Payne, who rose to fame with One Direction before the band went on hiatus, pursued a solo career like his former bandmates Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. He had traveled to Argentina to attend Horan’s concert on October 2, two weeks before his death.
The charges in Payne’s case echo those in the deaths of other celebrities, including “Friends” actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller, both of whom were provided with illicit substances by acquaintances before their deaths.
