Liam Payne’s Death: Five People Are Under Investigation, Including Someone Close to Him — Details
Liam Payne fans photographed with lit candles next to the hotel where he died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
On that fateful evening, the CasaSur hotel staff faced mounting chaos as Payne’s behavior reportedly escalated. A receptionist made two urgent 911 calls, with the first reporting that a guest had consumed “too many drugs and alcohol” and was “trashing the entire room.”
Liam Payne at the “I Am Bolt” world premiere in London, England, on November 28, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Forensic workers leaving the hotel where Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
“No, no, just the SAME. Just the SAME,” they reportedly said. Despite these distress signals, help arrived too late. Payne suffered multiple traumas, including internal and external injuries and a severe cranial injury, which ultimately claimed his life.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Payne may have been attempting to escape his room via the balcony in an apparent state of panic.
Liam Payne at the Cartier and British Vogue Darlings Dinner in London, England, on June 5, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Toxicology reports later revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system, which likely left him in a state of diminished consciousness.
Experts also speculated that the combination of narcotics and alcohol could have triggered a substance-induced psychotic episode, impairing Payne’s judgment and motor functions.
Fans of Liam Payne gathered outside the hotel to sing the band’s songs and leave a candle at an improvised altar. | Source: Getty Images
This finding has led investigators to rule out the possibility of deliberate or voluntary actions on Payne’s part, instead pointing to the substances in his system as a contributing factor.
Liam Payne at The Summer Party 2019 in London, England, on June 25. | Source: Getty Images
Investigators concluded, “For the prosecution, this situation would also 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 and could not understand it.”
Thus, the Buenos Aires judicial system quickly launched an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death.
Police and firefighters at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. | Source: Getty Images
Five individuals have been identified as suspects, including CasaSur manager Gilda Martín, receptionist head Ezequiel Pereyra, hotel security staff member Esteban Reynaldo Grassi, and two others — Braian Paiz and Payne’s close friend, Roger Nores.
Liam Payne performing on “TODAY” on December 18, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
This is a term that under Argentine law encompasses acts of negligence or lack of skill that result in the death of another person. Prosecutors allege that their actions — or failures to act appropriately — may have played a role in the tragic outcome.
Liam Payne at the ESCADA x RITA ORA Capsule Launch during Paris Fashion Week on September 29, 2019, in France. | Source: Getty Images
Nores, Payne’s friend, is under investigation for abandonment of a person followed by death, a serious charge he denies. Legal filings suggest that Nores may have failed to provide necessary assistance to Payne during his time of need.
Liam Payne on the red carpet prior to the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony on February 17 in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Liam Payne at the launch event for Dazn x Matchroom on July 27, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
“Since there is sufficient reason to suspect that they have participated in the investigated act, we ask that the following people give a statement,” a filing read.
The legal system allows the suspects to either provide statements or exercise their right to remain silent. Following these proceedings, the presiding judge will determine whether the charges should proceed, be dismissed, or require additional evidence.
Liam Payne at “Inside My Head – The Concert” in London, England, on September 20, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
New details have also emerged about the moments leading up to Payne’s fall. Reports indicate that the receptionist expressed concerns during his 911 calls that Payne might attempt to climb over the balcony.
Liam Payne at the Grand Reveal Weekend for Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 21, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
On the day he died, surveillance footage reportedly showed Liam appearing heavily intoxicated and causing a commotion in the hotel lobby before staff stepped in to address the situation.
Witnesses later claimed that the singer resisted efforts to lock him in his room, warning staff that he would attempt to escape via the balcony if he was confined.
Liam Payne at the “All Of Those Voices” UK premiere in London, England, on March 16, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
The singer was in a relationship with model and influencer Kate Cassidy at the time of his passing. While the couple was not married, Cassidy has reportedly made it clear that she has no intention of pursuing any claims on Payne’s estate, which includes a multimillion-dollar fortune.
“She says she’s not going to claim anything from his estate because they weren’t married and he has a son. It’s not hers to claim,” a friend revealed.
Cassidy was present when the late singer was laid to rest during a private funeral service attended by his former One Direction members, parents, and other loved ones.
A priest leading the coffin out after Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham, United Kingdom, on November 20, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The tragic loss of Liam Payne has left a void in the hearts of his fans and loved ones. While his music and legacy endure, the quest for truth and accountability is far from over.
As authorities work to uncover the full story, Payne’s memory remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of his artistry.
