Following Liam Payne’s untimely death at age 31 in Buenos Aires, Argentine authorities are delving into how a mix of drugs ended up in the singer’s system. Payne, the former One Direction star, reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel on October 16. His tragic end has since led to a probe into the sources and circumstances surrounding his death.
What Happened at CasaSur Palermo Hotel?
On the night of Payne’s death, Buenos Aires police were called to the CasaSur Palermo Hotel after reports of a guest behaving aggressively. According to a translated emergency call transcript, hotel staff reported a man who appeared heavily under the influence. When responders arrived, they found Payne had suffered severe injuries, with alcohol, drugs, and signs of disturbance in his room.
According to emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti, Payne had “serious injuries” by the time medical help arrived. The early autopsy results also revealed that Payne’s body showed no signs of reflexive movement, leading investigators to believe he may have lost consciousness just before the fall.
Substances Found: The Drugs in Payne’s System
A partial autopsy revealed the presence of multiple drugs in Payne’s system, including “pink cocaine,” cocaine, benzodiazepine, and crack. Authorities believe that “pink cocaine,” a recreational drug combining methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA, was among the substances he consumed. These findings have raised questions about how Payne obtained the drugs and whether any hotel staff might have been involved.
Authorities are reportedly focusing on tracking down the people who sold or provided the substances, particularly because “pink cocaine” isn’t a typical street drug. With an aluminum pipe found in the hotel room, there is speculation that some of the substances may have been consumed on-site. This detail is under examination, as it could provide leads about the involvement of other individuals or sources of the drugs.
The Investigation Begins: Looking for Clues and Video Evidence
Buenos Aires law enforcement agencies have intensified their investigation and are searching for the origin of the drugs. The hotel was raided recently, with police seeking any leads from the staff present on October 16. CCTV footage is also being reviewed, with journalist Paula Varela revealing that video clips captured the moment Payne fell from his balcony, indicating he fainted before the incident.
“There is footage with the balcony scene showing Liam fainting, and due to his position, he tragically falls. If he had been near the bed, he might have landed safely,” Varela shared on Argentine television, highlighting that Payne’s death was an accident rather than a deliberate act. This footage remains confidential but forms a critical piece of the official case files.
Liam Payne’s Struggles with Addiction and Mental Health
Payne had previously opened up about his struggles with substance abuse. During a 2021 podcast appearance on Diary of a CEO, he spoke candidly about his challenges with pills and alcohol, especially during his time in One Direction. “It was a real problem,” Payne admitted, reflecting on how the pressures of fame had taken a toll on his well-being.
This revelation adds depth to the tragedy, as it appears Payne may have faced an episode tied to these ongoing struggles. The combination of drugs in his system suggests that he was in a state of distress leading up to the accident.
Legal Implications and Hotel’s Responsibility Under Scrutiny
The involvement of substances like “pink cocaine” has spurred additional scrutiny of the hotel’s staff and policies. Although it’s unclear if hotel employees were directly involved in supplying the drugs, law enforcement has launched an investigation into all individuals who were in contact with Payne before his death. The hotel’s management has not released a statement on the matter, declining to comment when questioned by reporters.
According to an anonymous source familiar with the investigation, authorities are focused on understanding whether Payne acquired the drugs within the hotel or from another location. “It cannot be ruled out that the substances were provided by someone from the hotel,” the source explained. However, this remains a possibility rather than a confirmed fact.
The Official Findings So Far
The forensic examination of Payne’s body revealed a staggering 25 injuries, with severe cranioencephalic (brain and head) injuries that ultimately led to his death. Internal hemorrhages in his chest, abdomen, and limbs indicated the severity of his fall, which medical examiners believe was unintentional. The details align with the theory that Payne may have lost control due to the drugs in his system.
Further investigations will aim to provide clarity on who provided the drugs and how they reached Payne’s hotel room. The case also highlights the continuing dangers surrounding drug abuse, particularly when mixed with mental health struggles. For fans and followers of the singer, Payne’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in the public eye.
