The investigation into the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne continues, nearly one month after the 31-year-old singer fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires. Argentine authorities have detained three individuals in connection with Payne’s death, which is raising more questions about the circumstances surrounding his fall.
Authorities Detain Three People of Interest
On November 6, 2024, ABC News’ World News Tonight reported that police had detained two hotel workers accused of supplying drugs to Payne. A third individual, described as a friend of the late singer, was also taken into custody. David Muir, who confirmed the development, did not provide further details on the identities of the detained individuals. The Buenos Aires City Police have yet to comment on the situation.
This new update follows the release of a preliminary toxicology report, which indicated that Payne had drugs in his system at the time of his death. The substances identified included “pink cocaine,” a powerful mixture of MDMA, ketamine, and methamphetamine, commonly used recreationally in some circles. According to The New York Times, an official with knowledge of the report confirmed the presence of these substances, though a full toxicology report is still pending.
The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No. 14, which is overseeing the investigation, also announced that “substances inside the room” where Payne was staying appear to be narcotics, in addition to alcoholic beverages. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact nature of the substances found, but a press release from October 17 stated that the discovery is still under review by experts.
Autopsy and Preliminary Findings
While an official toxicology report is still pending, the coroner’s initial findings indicate that Payne’s death was caused by “polytraumism,” meaning multiple traumatic injuries from the fall. According to the office’s release, Payne sustained 25 injuries that were consistent with a fall from a great height. These injuries included severe head trauma that was sufficient to cause death, along with internal and external hemorrhaging in his skull, thorax, abdomen, and limbs.
Experts also noted that there was no evidence of defensive wounds, leading authorities to rule out the possibility of foul play. The prosecutor’s office suggested that Payne may have been unconscious when he fell, given that his body did not adopt a reflexive posture typical of someone trying to protect themselves in a fall. The position of his body indicated that he could have been in a semi-conscious or fully unconscious state at the time of the incident.
Preliminary Investigations Point to Substance Abuse Issues
The details surrounding Payne’s final hours remain unclear, but authorities have suggested that he may have been experiencing an “outbreak” due to substance abuse at the time of his death. According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, hotel staff called 911 shortly before the fall, reporting that Payne was intoxicated by drugs and alcohol and had caused significant damage to his hotel room.
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A 911 recording obtained by Telemundo reveals the hotel’s concern for Payne’s well-being. The hotel employee who placed the call said, “We have a guest who is overindulged in drugs and alcohol… he is breaking the whole room.” The caller went on to express fear that the guest might be at risk of doing something life-threatening. The emergency services arrived shortly after the call, but by the time they reached the hotel, Payne had already fallen.
Authorities are currently examining the hotel room where Payne was staying, with reports indicating the presence of destroyed furniture and potential narcotics. Statements have been taken from hotel workers and from two women who were reportedly in the room with Payne prior to the fall. These interviews are part of the ongoing effort to reconstruct the events leading up to Payne’s tragic death.
Payne’s Battle with Sobriety
In the months leading up to his death, Payne had been open about his struggles with sobriety. In a July 2023 YouTube video, he revealed that he had attended a treatment facility for 100 days and had been sober for six months. Payne’s efforts to overcome substance abuse were a key part of his public narrative in recent years, and his family and friends have expressed shock and grief over the circumstances of his death.
Payne’s Last Days in Argentina
Before his death, Payne had been vacationing in Argentina with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. The couple had shared several moments of their trip on social media, with Payne posting photos and videos from their time together, including a final photo shared on his Snapchat account on the day of his death. In the image, Payne and Cassidy are seen in swimsuits, enjoying a sunny day together.
However, Cassidy had already left Buenos Aires before the incident occurred. In a TikTok video from October 14, Cassidy explained that she was returning to Florida to be with their dog, Nala. She had been in Argentina with Payne for what was supposed to be a brief visit but had extended their stay to nearly two weeks. Payne remained in Argentina after Cassidy’s departure.
Following Payne’s death, Cassidy shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her grief and loss. “Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life,” she wrote.
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One Direction Members React to Payne’s Death
The news of Payne’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, particularly among his former One Direction bandmates. Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, who formed the global sensation on The X Factor in 2010, issued a joint statement expressing their devastation.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the bandmates wrote on Instagram. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
The tribute continued, “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam.”
Each band member also shared their personal memories and feelings. Niall Horan, who had seen Payne just weeks before his death, expressed how fortunate he was to have spent time with him. “The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. It’s heartbreaking.”
Investigation Continues as Authorities Await Toxicology Results
As of now, the investigation into Payne’s death is ongoing. Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when the full toxicology results will be released, but they continue to analyze cell phones, computers, photos, and videos from security cameras. Statements are being taken from those who were close to Payne in his final days to piece together his last moments.
The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No. 14 has emphasized that toxicological and histopathological studies are necessary to complete the investigation. These tests will provide crucial answers about the substances found in Payne’s system and help clarify the events that led to his untimely death.
