Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of Liam Payne, former One Direction star, who tragically passed away at the age of 31 on October 16. Payne fell from the third floor of his Buenos Aires hotel while attending a concert on Niall Horan’s world tour. A toxicology report revealed a mix of cocaine, alcohol, and antidepressants in his system at the time of his death.
The charges, confirmed by the Argentinian Public Prosecutor’s Office, include accusations against hotel staff and a friend of Payne. A hotel employee and a waiter allegedly supplied Payne with cocaine, while a chief receptionist and hotel manager are facing manslaughter charges due to alleged negligence concerning the hazardous state of the balcony and failure to ensure his safety. A friend of Payne was also charged with manslaughter for allegedly abandoning him in a vulnerable state.
The court clarified that while there was no intention to harm Payne, the accused created circumstances that put his life at risk. Payne’s passing shocked fans and former bandmates, who released a joint statement mourning his loss and attended his funeral.
Payne left behind a seven-year-old son, Bear, shared with former partner Cheryl Tweedy, who expressed her grief on social media, urging sensitivity toward their family during this challenging time. The investigation continues as the world mourns the beloved singer’s tragic and untimely death.