According to reports from local media, five people have been indicted in relation to the untimely death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old singer succumbed to injuries following a fall from the third-floor balcony of his hotel. Among those charged include Gilda Martin, the hotel manager, Esteban Grassi, a hotel employee, and Roger Nores, identified as a friend of Payne. They have been charged with manslaughter as stated by Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office.
Additionally, Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, also employed at the hotel, face charges related to drug supply. A judge has ordered the detention of two individuals, whose identities remain undisclosed, and they are expected to appear in court within 24 working hours.
Investigations into Payne's final moments at CasaSur hotel are ongoing. Earlier reports in November had mentioned that three individuals were previously charged but without revealing their identities. In a statement to TMZ shortly after Payne's death, Roger Nores remarked on having spent time with the artist on the day of his passing, describing him as "playful and happy" just an hour before the incident.
After Payne's death, officers discovered various substances in his hotel room alongside several items that were damaged. Hotel staff had contacted emergency services, stating that a guest had consumed excessive alcohol and drugs and was causing significant disruption within the room.
In updates provided by the prosecutor's office, toxicology results indicated the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in Payne's system. A post-mortem evaluation confirmed the cause of death as "multiple trauma" and "internal and external hemorrhage" resulting from the fall. Reports indicated that Payne may have experienced a state of semi or complete unconsciousness at the time of his fall, indicating he lacked awareness or control over his actions.
Liam Payne's rise to fame began with The X Factor and was solidified through his involvement in One Direction, a pop phenomenon that went on indefinite hiatus in January 2016. His funeral took place last month in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, attended by his former bandmates, family, and friends, including his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and his ex-partner Cheryl, with whom he has a son.
