The death of One Direction singer Liam Payne in Argentina has led to the charging of five individuals in connection with his passing. The 31-year-old star died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, sparking an investigation by Argentinian authorities. Hotel manager Gilda Martin, hotel employee Esteban Grassi, Roger Nores, Braian Paiz, and Ezequiel Pereyra have all been charged in relation to Payne’s death. Nores, who was reportedly a friend of the singer, claimed they had spent time together on the day of Payne’s death and described him as playful and happy before the tragic incident.
According to reports, Martin, Grassi, and Nores have been charged with manslaughter, while Paiz and Pereyra have been charged with supplying drugs. Toxicology tests revealed that Payne had traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his body. The post-mortem examination indicated that his cause of death was the result of multiple trauma and internal and external hemorrhage from the fall. Medical reports also suggested that Payne may have fallen in a state of semi or total unconsciousness, ruling out the possibility of a conscious or voluntary act by him.
Following Payne’s death, police found substances in his hotel room and damage to objects and furniture. Hotel staff had made calls to emergency services reporting that the guest had taken too many drugs and alcohol and was causing damage to the room. Despite these findings, the prosecutor’s office concluded that Payne did not know what he was doing and did not have comprehension of his actions at the time of the incident. Two of the accused individuals have been remanded in custody, and all five have been summoned to appear in court within 24 working hours.
Liam Payne rose to fame as a member of the popular boyband One Direction, which achieved immense success in the 2010s. Following the band’s indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne continued his music career as a solo artist. His funeral was held in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, where former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, along with Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy and former partner Cheryl, paid their respects. The loss of Payne has left a void in the music industry and among fans worldwide, who continue to remember him for his talent and contributions to the music scene.