THREE people have been charged in connection with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne, Argentine authorities say.
The singer died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires.
A person accompanying the artist was charged with abandoning a person causing death, as well as providing and facilitating drug use, according to the National Office of Criminal Justice and Corrections.
A hotel employee and another person were also charged with supplying drugs. None of those arrested were named.
Payne, 31, a father-of-one, is one of the most recognizable names in pop music after appearing on The X Factor and achieving fame with boyband One Direction in the 2010s.
Argentine authorities have been investigating Payne’s final days at the CasaSur hotel.
The public prosecutor’s office said toxicology test results showed traces of alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants in his body.
A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be “multiple trauma” and “internal and external bleeding” resulting from a fall from a hotel balcony.
According to the district attorney’s office, the medical report also indicated Payne may have fallen while partially or completely unconscious.
The prosecutor’s office said this ruled out any conscious or voluntary action by Payne, and they concluded he neither knew what he was doing nor understood it.
In addition, authorities have carried out nine raids on homes in Buenos Aires.
They continue to investigate Payne’s damaged laptop and other devices that have been confiscated.
The prosecutor’s office added they had reviewed more than 800 hours of video footage from security cameras in hotels and public streets, and received dozens of testimonies from hotel staff, family members, friends and medical personnel.
The singer’s body was handed over to his family on Wednesday to be flown back to the UK.
Following Payne’s death, tributes poured in, including from his former partner Cheryl, One Direction bandmates and music producer Simon Cowell.
Payne’s bandmates, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles, said in a joint statement they were “devastated” and would miss the singer “incredibly”, adding “the memories we shared with him will always be cherished.” .
Thousands of fans also remembered the late singer at memorial events in the UK and around the world. (BBC/Z-3)
#People #Charged #Liam #Paynes #Tragic #Accident #Case #Argentina
**Interview with Entertainment Journalist Sarah Miller on the Recent Developments in Liam Payne’s Case**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. The news surrounding Liam Payne’s tragic death has shocked many of his fans. Can you tell us what recent developments have occurred in the case?
**Sarah Miller:** Absolutely. Just recently, Argentine authorities charged three individuals in connection with Liam Payne’s death, which has certainly raised significant concerns. The charges include one person accused of abandoning a person causing death and facilitating drug use. Additionally, a hotel employee and another individual were charged with supplying drugs.
**Interviewer:** That sounds serious. What details have emerged about the circumstances leading to his death?
**Sarah Miller:** Yes, the situation is quite tragic. Liam fell from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16. Toxicology reports indicated that his body contained traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants. His cause of death was ruled as “multiple trauma” due to the fall.
**Interviewer:** It’s heartbreaking to hear this, particularly given Liam’s status as a beloved pop star. What impact do you think this incident will have on his fans and the music community at large?
**Sarah Miller:** I think the impact will be profound. Liam was not only a prominent figure in pop music but also a father and a role model to many. This tragedy may open up discussions about mental health, substance use, and the pressures faced by public figures, especially in the music industry. Fans mourn deeply for his loss, but they may also begin advocating for better support systems for artists.
**Interviewer:** That’s an important perspective. As the investigation continues, what can we expect in terms of legal proceedings for those charged?
**Sarah Miller:** The legal process will likely take some time. The authorities will continue to gather evidence and testimonies, and we can expect hearings to determine the next steps. Given the high-profile nature of the case, it’s likely to attract media attention as details unfold.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for your insights on this difficult subject. We hope for justice and healing for Liam’s family and fans.
**Sarah Miller:** Thank you for having me, and yes, it’s a hope we all share.
