Liam Payne’s Death: Five People Are Under Investigation, Including Someone Close to Him — Details

Liam Payne, a former One Direction star beloved by millions worldwide, died at the age of 31 following a fall from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16.

On that fateful evening, the CasaSur hotel staff faced mounting chaos as Payne’s behavior reportedly escalated. A receptionist made two urgent 911 calls, with the first reporting that a guest had consumed “too many drugs and alcohol” and was “trashing the entire room.”

Minutes later, a second call was placed, during which the receptionist warned that the guest’s life “may be in danger.” Disturbingly, when asked if the police should also respond alongside emergency medical services (SAME), the receptionist requested that only medical personnel be sent.

“No, no, just the SAME. Just the SAME,” they reportedly said. Despite these distress signals, help arrived too late. Payne suffered multiple traumas, including internal and external injuries and a severe cranial injury, which ultimately claimed his life.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Payne may have been attempting to escape his room via the balcony in an apparent state of panic.

Toxicology reports later revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system, which likely left him in a state of diminished consciousness.

Experts also speculated that the combination of narcotics and alcohol could have triggered a substance-induced psychotic episode, impairing Payne’s judgment and motor functions.

Authorities concluded that Payne did not “adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself,” suggesting that he was either semi or fully unconscious during the fall.

This finding has led investigators to rule out the possibility of deliberate or voluntary actions on Payne’s part, instead pointing to the substances in his system as a contributing factor.

Investigators concluded, “For the prosecution, this situation would also rule out the possibility of a conscious or voluntary act on the part of the victim since, in the state he was in, he did not know what he was doing and could not understand it.”

Thus, the Buenos Aires judicial system quickly launched an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death.

Five individuals have been identified as suspects, including CasaSur manager Gilda Martín, receptionist head Ezequiel Pereyra, hotel security staff member Esteban Reynaldo Grassi, and two others — Braian Paiz and Payne’s close friend, Roger Nores.

The CasaSur manager and receptionist head, who continued working at the CasaSur hotel at the time of writing, have been formally charged with “wrongful death.”

This is a term that under Argentine law encompasses acts of negligence or lack of skill that result in the death of another person. Prosecutors allege that their actions — or failures to act appropriately — may have played a role in the tragic outcome.

Nores, Payne’s friend, is under investigation for abandonment of a person followed by death, a serious charge he denies. Legal filings suggest that Nores may have failed to provide necessary assistance to Payne during his time of need.

Meanwhile, the other suspects are accused of facilitating narcotics use, which may have contributed to the singer’s deteriorating condition. All five individuals have been summoned to court for questioning, with interrogations scheduled for mid-December.

“Since there is sufficient reason to suspect that they have participated in the investigated act, we ask that the following people give a statement,” a filing read.

The legal system allows the suspects to either provide statements or exercise their right to remain silent. Following these proceedings, the presiding judge will determine whether the charges should proceed, be dismissed, or require additional evidence.

Court documents obtained by Rolling Stone have revealed further layers of complexity in the case. Payne’s friend’s legal team has accused prosecutors of “serious irregularities,” claiming they failed to review crucial CCTV footage from a camera near the site where the singer fell.

The filing also alleged that the prosecutor met privately with the hotel restaurant manager, who had access to the footage, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of the investigation.

“Given everything shown, it’s clear that there has not been a serious, profound, nor, at least until now, a serious investigation,” read the legal team’s statement.

New details have also emerged about the moments leading up to Payne’s fall. Reports indicate that the receptionist expressed concerns during his 911 calls that Payne might attempt to climb over the balcony.

On the day he died, surveillance footage reportedly showed Liam appearing heavily intoxicated and causing a commotion in the hotel lobby before staff stepped in to address the situation.

Witnesses later claimed that the singer resisted efforts to lock him in his room, warning staff that he would attempt to escape via the balcony if he was confined.

The singer was in a relationship with model and influencer Kate Cassidy at the time of his passing. While the couple was not married, Cassidy has reportedly made it clear that she has no intention of pursuing any claims on Payne’s estate, which includes a multimillion-dollar fortune.

“She says she’s not going to claim anything from his estate because they weren’t married and he has a son. It’s not hers to claim,” a friend revealed.

“Of course, [Payne’s death causes] a financial setback, but her sadness has nothing to do with the money — she’s sad that she lost Liam. The money doesn’t matter in comparison. But she’ll have to move and regroup, and she’ll find a new place to live as she heals,” they added.

Cassidy was present when the late singer was laid to rest during a private funeral service attended by his former One Direction members, parents, and other loved ones.

The tragic loss of Liam Payne has left a void in the hearts of his fans and loved ones. While his music and legacy endure, the quest for truth and accountability is far from over.

As authorities work to uncover the full story, Payne’s memory remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of his artistry.