Prosecutors in Argentina have ruled out suicide in the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, revealing a tragic accident fueled by drug use.
At a Glance
- Liam Payne’s death ruled accidental, not suicide
- Payne likely fell from third-story balcony while unconscious due to drug consumption
- Three individuals charged in connection with Payne’s death
- Toxicology report revealed presence of “pink cocaine” in Payne’s system
- Investigation into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death ongoing
Official Ruling on Liam Payne’s Death
The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office in Argentina has concluded its initial investigation into the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne. In a statement released Thursday, prosecutors definitively ruled out suicide as the cause of the singer’s tragic demise.
“Prosecutors investigating the death of Liam Payne have ruled out that the late singer died by suicide, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office in Argentina said in a press release Thursday,” the office stated.
Liam Payne's Death Ruled Not Suicide By Argentinian Officials https://t.co/zKBWjgID4m
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 9, 2024
Circumstances Surrounding Payne’s Fall
According to the official report, Payne likely fell from a third-story balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel on October 16 while in an unconscious state due to drug consumption. Toxicology reports indicated that Payne was not fully conscious at the time of his fall, effectively ruling out the possibility of a deliberate act.
The facts “rule out the possibility of a conscious or voluntary act on the part of the victim, since, in the state he was in, he did not know what he was doing nor could he understand it,” the prosecutor’s office said in a translated statement.
The autopsy confirmed that Payne’s injuries were not self-inflicted or caused by others, supporting the conclusion that his death was a tragic accident. The singer’s cause of death is attributed to multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding resulting from the fall.
Charges Filed in Connection with Payne’s Death
In a significant development, three individuals have been charged in connection with Payne’s death. Among those charged is a man described as Payne’s “friend” and alleged manager, who faces accusations of abandonment for failing to fulfill his duty of care. If convicted, he could face a potential prison sentence of five to 15 years.
Two other suspects, a hotel employee and an alleged drug dealer, are charged with supplying Payne with narcotics. Argentinian officials have characterized the charges as “abandonment of a person followed by death, supply and facilitating the use of narcotics.”
Drug Use and Ongoing Investigation
Payne’s toxicology report revealed the presence of “pink cocaine,” a dangerous mixture of ecstasy, ketamine, caffeine, and a psychedelic substance. This finding has raised questions about the source of the drugs and the events leading up to Payne’s fatal fall.
Police are still conducting a thorough investigation, including raids on the hotel and properties of interest, to determine who supplied the drugs and to reconstruct the sequence of events. Additionally, authorities are looking into claims made by two women who stated they were with Payne before his death.
Liam Payne, born on August 29, 1993, in Wolverhampton, England, rose to fame as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction. After the group’s disbandment, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing his album “LP1” in 2019.
The circumstances surrounding Payne’s death are particularly tragic given reports of his recent sobriety. According to sources close to the singer, he had claimed to be sober in the months leading up to his death and appeared to be in good spirits.
Payne’s body has been returned to England for burial. He is survived by his parents, sisters, and a 7-year-old son, Bear. As the investigation continues, fans and the music industry alike mourn the loss of a talented artist whose life was cut short under such heartbreaking circumstances.
