Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, may have been unconscious when he fell to his death from a hotel balcony during a drug-induced episode, according to reports from Argentine officials.
The 31-year-old artist tragically fell 45 feet from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 16, and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Investigation into His Final Moments
Authorities believe Payne was either semi-conscious or completely unconscious when he fell, contradicting earlier reports suggesting that he intentionally jumped. A search of his hotel room uncovered alcohol and drug-related substances, which confirmed earlier concerns about his mental state.
Before the tragedy, hotel staff made several frantic 911 calls reporting an aggressive guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Witnesses described violent sounds from Payne’s room, with some hotel guests mistaking the commotion for construction work.
Hotel Room Evidence
Photos from inside the hotel room reveal a disturbing scene, including a broken television, surfaces covered with white powder, and burnt foil. Police also seized a bottle of whiskey, a lighter, medications, and a phone during their investigation.
The forensic report indicates Payne sustained multiple injuries from the fall, including internal and external bleeding. No evidence of third-party involvement has been found so far, though investigators are still looking into the possibility of outside influence.
Police Search for Key Witnesses
Authorities are searching for two women who were reportedly with Payne the night before his death. While police do not believe the women are directly involved, they hope their testimonies will clarify Payne’s last hours.
His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, returned to Florida four days before his death, stating that she needed to return home after what was originally planned to be a five-day trip was extended to two weeks.
Tragic End to a Storied Career
Payne’s rise to fame began at 16 when he joined One Direction on The X Factor in 2010. He was in Argentina supporting former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert at the Movistar Arena.
Fans gathered outside the hotel to pay tribute to the pop star, leaving flowers and notes. Many expressed their grief at the sudden loss of someone who brought joy to millions.
The investigation into Payne’s death is ongoing, with toxicology and other tests still pending to uncover more details.
