Liam Payne, former One Direction star, tragically passed away after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prosecutors have delayed releasing Payne’s body to his family pending toxicology results. Initial reports suggest Payne may have been exposed to cocaine, though final toxicology findings are expected in the coming weeks.
The 31-year-old singer was found after what authorities suspect to have been a fall while he was in a state of unconsciousness. The tragic event occurred at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, and a table in Payne’s hotel room contained items such as white powder and a lighter, suggesting drug use.
Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, arrived in Buenos Aires to collect his son’s body but was informed that further forensic testing is needed. The Public Prosecutor’s Office said they will inform the family first before releasing any investigation details publicly.
Payne’s former bandmates from One Direction – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik – released a joint statement honoring him, calling him a “brother” and expressing that the memories they shared will be “treasured forever.”
