Five individuals are facing charges in Argentina concerning the death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, authorities have announced. Payne tragically passed away on October 16th after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. This article delves into the unfolding investigation and the circumstances surrounding this shocking event, providing a comprehensive look at what is currently known.
Liam Payne’s Trip to Argentina: Visiting Niall Horan
Liam Payne’s presence in Argentina was initially for a reunion with his former One Direction bandmate, Niall Horan, who was touring in the country. Payne had shared his anticipation for the visit on Snapchat, mentioning a need for a “catch-up” with Horan and dismissing any rumors of “bad vibes” between them. He even attended Horan’s concert, sharing social media updates of himself and his girlfriend at the time, Kate Cassidy, enjoying the show. Payne documented his Argentine trip extensively on social media, posting about food, polo plans, and lighthearted moments, including jokes about his hairstyle. He also visited a friend’s home in Argentina with Cassidy in the days leading up to his death. However, Cassidy had already departed the country before the tragic incident occurred.
The Events of October 16th at Casa Sur Hotel
Payne had been a guest at the upscale Casa Sur hotel for three days prior to his death. On the day of the incident, Payne’s friend, Roger Nores, who was staying with him, left the hotel at 16:11 local time (20:11 BST), according to Argentine prosecutors. Subsequently, Payne was observed in the hotel lobby in a state where he was unable to stand, reportedly “due to the consumption of various substances,” as stated by the prosecutors.
At 16:54, security cameras recorded a disturbing scene: Payne being dragged, unconscious, by three individuals, led by the hotel’s chief receptionist, Esteban Grassi, towards his room. Around 17:00, Grassi contacted emergency services, requesting assistance for a hotel guest “who is overwhelmed by drugs and alcohol” and was reportedly “destroying his room.” In a subsequent call, Grassi expressed further concern, stating, “I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger. But he has a room with a balcony and we’re a little afraid that he might do something life-threatening.”
Payne’s room was located on the third floor and featured a balcony approximately 14 meters (45 feet) above an interior courtyard. It is believed that he fell from this balcony around 17:07 local time. Police arrived at the scene shortly after, prompted by hotel staff who reported hearing a loud noise in the courtyard where Payne’s body was discovered. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene, stating that resuscitation was not possible. Police reports indicated that Payne’s hotel room was found in “total disorder.” Media outlets later published images purportedly from his room, depicting a broken television screen, various bottles and cans, candles, aluminum foil, and a partially filled champagne glass.
Autopsy and Toxicology Reports: Unveiling the Cause of Death
The autopsy conducted on the evening of Payne’s death revealed that he suffered “multiple traumas” and “internal and external hemorrhaging,” with a total of 25 injuries consistent with a fall from a significant height. On November 7th, the prosecutor’s office released the toxicology report, which indicated the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system. The authorities explicitly ruled out suicide or physical assault by another person as causes of death. Investigators noted that Payne did not attempt to brace himself during the fall. This observation, combined with other evidence, led them to conclude that he was either unconscious or in a semi-conscious state when he fell. They determined that his actions were not “a conscious or voluntary act,” implying he was not aware of what he was doing or did not comprehend the danger.
However, following a further forensic report and a site inspection on December 5th, a judge offered a refined conclusion. The judge suggested that, in his intoxicated state, Payne “tried to leave the room through the balcony” and subsequently fell to his death. This conclusion was based on forensic expert testimony indicating that Payne did not simply lose his balance and fall, but rather attempted to exit via the balcony.
Manslaughter Charges and Individuals Implicated
Five individuals have been formally charged in connection with Liam Payne’s death, each facing different allegations:
- Ezequiel Pereyra (Hotel Employee): Suspected of selling cocaine to Payne on both October 15th and 16th.
- Braian Paiz (Waiter): Suspected of selling cocaine to Payne on two occasions on October 14th.
- Roger Nores (Friend): Suspected of manslaughter due to alleged negligence in his duty of care, assistance, and help towards Payne. He is accused of “abandoning him to his luck” knowing Payne’s incapacitated state and struggles with “multiple addictions.”
- Gilda Martin (Hotel Manager): Suspected of manslaughter for allegedly failing to prevent Payne from being taken to his room in his vulnerable state. Court documents suggest that given Payne’s condition, the balcony in the room posed a “serious threat,” and the manager should have ensured Payne’s safety until medical assistance arrived.
- Esteban Grassi (Chief Receptionist): Also suspected of manslaughter for directing the group who “dragged” the incapacitated Payne to his room instead of ensuring his immediate safety and well-being.
The charges highlight a complex situation involving potential negligence and illegal drug supply, leading to the tragic death of Liam Payne. The investigation continues to unfold as the legal proceedings against these five individuals progress, seeking to fully understand the circumstances that led to this devastating loss.
Further Resources:
Liam Payne: What Happened? – BBC iPlayer (UK only)
