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The tragic death of Liam Payne, former One Direction star, continues to be a topic of investigation as new reports shed light on his final moments.
Payne, 31, ed away in October 2024 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Now, four months later, a toxicology report has revealed critical details about his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the substances in his system at the time of his fall.
According to the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 14, Payne had a BAC of up to 2.7 grams per liter (0.27%), which is more than three times the legal driving limit in the UK (0.08%).
Medical experts warn that BAC levels above 0.3% can lead to alcohol poisoning, and a BAC over 0.4% is considered potentially fatal.
In addition to alcohol, Payne's toxicology report detected multiple substances, including cocaine metabolites, methylecgonine, benzoylecgomine, cocaethylene, and the antidepressant sertraline, which is commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression.
The high alcohol content combined with these substances could have caused significant impairment, including confusion, disorientation, and dizziness, making accidental falls or risk-taking behavior more likely.
The investigation and legal developments
Following Payne's death, Argentinian authorities launched an investigation, initially charging five individuals in connection with the incident. These included his friend Rogelio "Roger" Nores, the hotel manager, and a chief receptionist, all of whom were accused of manslaughter due to negligence.
The prosecution alleged that Nores, who was with Payne in Argentina, failed in his duty of care, knowing the singer struggled with substance abuse. However, in December 2024, an Argentinian appeals court overturned these charges, ruling that Nores and the two hotel employees did not have any legal responsibility for the singer's actions.
The decision to drop the manslaughter charges is still under review, with public prosecutors confirming they are evaluating appeals to challenge the ruling.
Meanwhile, two other individuals, accused of supplying drugs to Payne before his death, remain in custody and face prison sentences ranging from four to fifteen years if convicted. Prosecutors are continuing their investigation into drug distribution networks that may have played a role in Payne's final days.
What happened in Payne's final hours?
Court documents provide a disturbing of Payne's behavior leading up to his death. Reports suggest that just hours before the fatal fall, Payne had allegedly hired two escorts via an online service and invited them to his hotel room.
Witnesses claim that when they arrived, Payne was inhaling a "crystal-like" substance from aluminum foil and requested that they procure additional drugs.
The women reportedly stayed in the room for over two hours, after which Payne allegedly smashed the hotel room's television and demanded that they leave without payment. Hotel staff later recalled that Payne repeatedly called reception, persistently requesting alcohol and cocaine.
His erratic behavior prompted concerns among hotel staff, with emergency services receiving a 911 call warning that Payne was acting aggressively and possibly under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Despite these warning signs, the situation escalated rapidly, culminating in Payne falling from the third-floor balcony.
Prosecutors rule out suicide theory
Although some speculation surrounded Payne's state of mind, prosecutors have made it clear that his death was not ruled as a suicide. Investigators determined that Payne was in a state of "semi or total unconsciousness" at the time of his fall, indicating that he was likely not fully aware of his actions.
His room was reportedly found in a state of destruction, adding to the mystery of his final moments. The combination of high alcohol consumption, drug use, and erratic behavior in the hours before his death has led investigators to conclude that his fall was not intentional but rather a tragic accident.
The aftermath: Legal battles and family reactions
In the wake of Payne's death, his friend Nores, who was cleared of charges, has announced that he intends to travel to the UK to pay his respects. However, he is also pursuing an £8.1 million defamation lawsuit against Payne's father, Geoff Payne, over alleged false statements made during the investigation.
Nores' attorney argued that his client was not legally responsible for Payne's actions and should not have been implicated in the case. The appeals court agreed, ruling that Nores did not assume a "special obligation" toward Payne that would justify legal liability.
Meanwhile, the Payne family has remained largely private, though reports suggest they may be considering their own legal action, possibly challenging the decision to drop the manslaughter charges.