The investigation into the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne has led to three people being charged in Buenos Aires. Payne’s sudden fall from his hotel balcony shocked fans worldwide, sparking questions about the circumstances surrounding his last moments. Payne, 31, was reportedly behaving erratically before the incident, prompting a hotel employee to place a 911 call, citing potential substance use. An autopsy later confirmed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system, deepening the mystery and sorrow around the singer’s passing.
Argentine authorities charged three individuals believed to have contributed to Payne’s untimely death. Among those charged are a suspected drug dealer, a hotel employee accused of supplying Payne with cocaine during his stay, and a close acquaintance who spent time with Payne shortly before the incident. All three face charges of involvement in providing Payne with drugs, with one also accused of “abandonment of a person followed by death.” According to reports, two of the suspects allegedly attempted to flee the country but have been restricted from leaving Argentina as the investigation unfolds.
One of the accused, Braian Nahuel Paiz, a local waiter, recently addressed the allegations in a televised interview. Paiz claims to have met Payne earlier in the month at a restaurant, where the singer appeared to be under the influence, but he denies supplying him with drugs or accepting any money. Paiz recounted being invited to Payne’s hotel room, where they spent time together, sharing drinks and listening to music. He described Payne as calm and “really sweet,” although he noted that Payne had become increasingly paranoid and withdrawn in the days leading up to his death.
Investigators are working to piece together the events surrounding Payne’s final days. Authorities have examined Payne’s damaged laptop and are reviewing messages and call records from his phone. Witnesses had reported seeing Payne smash his laptop in the hotel lobby days before his fall, adding another layer of complexity to the case. In addition, police have reviewed over 800 hours of hotel surveillance footage, interviewed dozens of witnesses, and gathered testimonies from hotel staff, Payne’s friends, and family to clarify his mental state and substance use before the incident.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors are considering the possibility that Payne may not have been fully aware of his actions due to his mental and emotional state. His tragic death has brought attention to the pressures of fame, highlighting the impact of mental health and substance use in the entertainment industry. For now, Payne’s family and fans mourn his loss, awaiting answers to the questions surrounding his final moments.
