Five people charged in connection with Liam Payne’s death, prosecutor says

Five individuals have been charged in relation to the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last October. The 31-year-old British singer was found dead after a fall from his hotel room on October 16. His death, initially shrouded in mystery, has now led to charges against several individuals in connection with his passing.

According to the Argentine prosecutor’s office, charges have been filed against Payne’s “representative,” as well as the hotel manager and head of reception, for manslaughter. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison. Additionally, a hotel employee and a local waiter have been accused of supplying Payne with cocaine during his stay. The two individuals have been remanded in custody ahead of trial and face potential sentences of up to 15 years.

Though the identities of the accused have not been publicly disclosed, the roles they held in relation to the victim are known. The case gained significant attention due to Payne’s public struggles with substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs. Investigations into the singer’s death revealed that he had cocaine, alcohol, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his fall.

Judge Laura Bruniard, overseeing the case, concluded that Payne’s fall was unintentional and caused by his intoxication. The singer, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, likely mistook the hotel balcony for an exit. The judge’s findings were based on expert reports, testimonies, and hotel surveillance footage. According to these sources, Payne was seen in a severely intoxicated state in the hotel lobby shortly before the fall. At 4:54 p.m. on the day of his death, Payne was unconscious in the reception area, and three individuals reportedly dragged him to his room.

The hotel manager is accused of failing to intervene, despite witnessing Payne’s condition. The manager is said to have allowed the singer to be taken to a room with a balcony, which posed a clear risk to him, according to the judge’s statement. The receptionist, meanwhile, is accused of guiding the group that moved Payne to his room, rather than ensuring he stayed in a safe area until he could receive medical assistance.

The American individual, identified as Payne’s representative, is accused of leaving the hotel approximately 50 minutes before the fatal fall, despite knowing Payne was in a vulnerable state. The prosecutor’s office accused the representative of failing to provide necessary care and abandoning Payne, who was reportedly struggling with multiple addictions. As a result, the representative has been prohibited from leaving Argentina.

While the charges against the hotel manager, receptionist, and representative are related to manslaughter, the judge emphasized that there was no indication that the individuals had coordinated their actions or planned Payne’s death. On the other hand, the two individuals accused of providing drugs to Payne have been placed in preventive detention.

Payne had openly discussed his battles with substance abuse and mental health issues in the years leading up to his death. In the summer of 2023, he had celebrated six months of sobriety after completing a rehabilitation program in the United States. His planned South American tour had to be postponed due to a kidney infection, adding further complexity to his health struggles.

The death of Liam Payne shocked the global music community. Payne, who had gained worldwide fame as a member of One Direction, was part of one of the most successful boy bands in music history. The group, formed on the British X Factor in 2010, went on hiatus in 2016, with members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik pursuing solo careers.

Payne’s death also impacted his former bandmates, who attended his funeral in Amersham, northwest of London, in late November. Music mogul Simon Cowell, who played a crucial role in the formation of One Direction, was also present at the service. Before his passing, Payne had been seen attending a concert by his former bandmate, Niall Horan, in Argentina.

In the hours leading up to Payne’s death, hotel staff had contacted emergency services. A call obtained by CNN’s Argentina affiliate, Todo Noticias, revealed that a hotel employee had described Payne as being “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol” and reported that he had been “breaking things” in his room. This final scene provided further insight into Payne’s tragic state of mind and his struggles in the moments before his death.

This case underscores the dangers of substance abuse and the responsibilities of those around vulnerable individuals. The legal proceedings surrounding Payne’s death will continue to unfold as authorities seek justice for the singer and his family.

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