Liam Payne’s family has spoken out following the clearing of three men in connection with the singer’s tragic death in October 2024. The former One Direction star, who fell to his death from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was 31 years old.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 2, to the BBC, Payne’s family condemned the “constant media attention” surrounding the investigation, which they described as having caused “indescribable, lasting damage,” particularly to Liam’s young son, Bear. The statement also expressed their acceptance of the Court of Appeal’s decision to drop all charges against three individuals involved in the case.
“Liam’s death was an unspeakable tragedy,” the statement read. “This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him. Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him. Instead, Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother, and all of Liam’s friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear.”
The family further clarified their understanding of the investigation, acknowledging that it was necessary. “The family recognizes the work done by the Argentinian authorities. However, we accept the Court of Appeal’s decision to drop all charges.”
While expressing their grief, they also highlighted the toll that the ongoing media scrutiny has had on their ability to mourn. “The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so,” they wrote.
On a more positive note, the family reflected on the recognition Liam received at the 2025 BRIT Awards, where he was celebrated for his contributions to British music and his profound impact on millions of fans. “This weekend, at the Brit Awards, Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over. We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world. Liam, you are so loved and missed.”
Liam’s tragic passing in October 2024 shook the world, and the legal proceedings following his death added an additional layer of complexity to the grieving process for his loved ones. Initially, three people associated with the CasaSur Palermo Hotel—Roger Nores, Gilda Martin, and Esteban Grassi—were charged with manslaughter after Payne’s death. These charges stemmed from allegations that they had failed in their duty of care toward the singer, particularly in the moments leading up to his fall.
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On February 19, the BBC and Rolling Stone reported that the Court of Appeal in Argentina had dropped all charges against the three individuals. The men had faced up to five years in prison if convicted of manslaughter, but the court found insufficient evidence to hold them responsible for Payne’s death. Nores, a friend of Payne, was accused of abandoning the singer despite knowing of his previous struggles with addiction, while Martin and Grassi were said to have failed in their respective duties during the incident.
A ruling from the Argentina Court of Appeals, obtained by Rolling Stone, stated that Nores was not directly responsible for Payne obtaining or consuming drugs and alcohol. “It is possible that, if he had stayed in his company at all times, [Payne] would not have obtained the drugs and alcohol in the quantities necessary for the state of intoxication he exhibited at the time of his death,” the ruling said. However, it added that even with extreme caution, it could not be guaranteed that Payne would not have found a way to acquire substances, as is common among those with addiction issues.
In December 2024, prosecutors had argued that Nores failed to fulfill his responsibilities to assist Payne, especially considering the singer’s history with addiction. Meanwhile, Grassi, the hotel’s chief receptionist, was accused of failing to intervene when Payne was found incapacitated in the hotel’s lobby before being escorted back to his room.
Despite these charges being dismissed, two other individuals—Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz—remain in prison. These men were accused of supplying Payne with drugs, and should they be convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from four to 14 years.
Roger Nores, one of the men cleared of charges, spoke to Rolling Stone after the ruling, expressing relief at the outcome. “Glad this is finally over,” Nores said. “I’m happy I’m now going to be able to travel to the UK and say goodbye to my friend.”
The tragic details surrounding Payne’s death continue to surface. Following an autopsy, it was revealed that Payne died from multiple injuries, including both internal and external hemorrhaging. Toxicology reports from the time showed that alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants were found in his system. In January 2025, the UK confirmed his cause of death as “polytrauma” following an inquest at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court.
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Though the legal proceedings have now concluded, the emotional toll on Payne’s family remains significant. The family’s statement made it clear that their focus is now on grieving the loss of a beloved son, brother, and father, and they have asked for privacy as they navigate this incredibly painful time.
As the public continues to mourn the loss of Liam Payne, his legacy in the music world remains strong, with fans and fellow artists alike celebrating the joy and inspiration he brought to millions.
