Liam Payne’s sudden, tragic death following a balcony fall in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday, October 16, left the world in shock. Here is what we know about the incident so far.
A 911 call was made minutes before Payne’s fall from a third-floor balcony in CasaSur Palermo Hotel, by the hotel desk manager who reported an “aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” according to local police.
The manager called for immediate assistance as the room the man—Payne, as the police spokesperson revealed—was checked in had a balcony, and hotel staff were worried he would endanger himself.
An emergency crew arrived at the hotel, and were informed of a loud sound that had come from an interior courtyard. The discovery of Payne’s body there set an investigation in motion.
The body
An autopsy was performed on Payne’s body some hours following his death. It indicated that he died of “multiple trauma” and “internal and external bleeding” in the head, torso, and limbs.
It was inferred from the body’s position when found and the 25 injuries sustained that Payne did not attempt to protect himself from the fall, said the prosecutor’s office. It was uncertain whether he had deliberately leapt or accidentally fallen off the balcony, and it is thought he may have been unconscious during the fall.
The prosecutor’s office reported Payne was alone when he fell, as there was no sign of anyone else’s involvement in the incident. There were no defensive injuries found on his body either.
Various substances were detected, including cocaine, crack, benzodiazepine, and “pink cocaine,” which is commonly a powder concoction of caffeine, ecstasy, ketamine, and 2-CB—a psychedelic drug.
The hotel room
Hotel employees found Payne’s room in complete disarray, with “various items broken,” like furniture.
Packets of medication such as Clonazepam were found, as well as alcohol. A WebMD article reviewed by a Doctor of Pharmacy says Clonazepam has a “calming effect on the brain and nerves,” resulting in reduced anxiety, the prevention of seizures, and relaxation.
Where the body was found
Upon inspecting the ground floor area Payne had fallen onto, police found a bottle of whiskey, a lighter, and a mobile phone.
“Everything indicates that the musician was alone when the fall happened,” officers stated, adding that Payne died at the scene with no injuries pointing to foul play.
Testimonies
Five people were interviewed on the night of the incident. Three were hotel staff and the other two were women who were with Payne in his room but had gone before the incident occurred.
One employee believed to have supplied Payne with drugs on the day of his death has also been interviewed. Charges have not been filed against them, nor have they been arrested.
Activity prior to the incident
Payne posted a Snapchat story hours before his fall with the caption, “It's a lovely day here in Argentina.” However, the video was from days ago, when he was with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Payne's family said.
As news of his death spread, fans flocked outside CasaSur Palermo, with some lighting candles to his memory.
From Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, Payne took his first shot at stardom in 2008, when he auditioned for X Factor. Judge Simon Cowell invited him to return after two years; he did, and was grouped with four other aspirants, forming the hit boy band One Direction.
This article has been updated with additional information on October 22.
