Former One Direction star Liam Payne had traces of cocaine, alcohol, and a prescription antidepressant in his system before his fatal fall from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine prosecutors revealed Thursday. The prosecutor’s office announced charges against three individuals for supplying him with drugs; one is additionally charged with abandoning him in a vulnerable state.
Toxicology reports shared with Payne’s family indicated he had engaged in polydrug use during the 72 hours preceding his October 16 death. Payne, 31, was found outside his third-floor room at the CasaSur Hotel after a fatal fall, with an autopsy revealing extensive internal and external injuries.
While One Direction’s 2016 hiatus marked a high point in his career, Payne struggled to maintain his initial success as a solo artist. His sudden death has led to an outpouring of grief from family, former bandmates, and fans worldwide.
Prosecutors detailed that one suspect accompanied Payne daily during his stay and faces charges for both drug supply and neglect. Another, a hotel employee, is accused of providing Payne with cocaine on two separate occasions, while a third individual allegedly supplied the drug just two days before his death.
Authorities ruled out foul play or self-harm, concluding that Payne likely lacked full consciousness at the time of his fall.
