Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Liam Payne’s death at age 31, after multiple substances were found in his system prior to his passing. According to a source, Buenos Aires authorities will look into how “pink cocaine,” cocaine, benzodiazepine, and crack came into Payne’s possession before his death, which occurred after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. It is suspected that the substances may have been provided by someone from the hotel where Payne was staying.
A partial autopsy showed that Payne had pink cocaine, cocaine, benzodiazepine, and crack in his system, as well as an aluminum pipe found in his hotel room. Buenos Aires emergency services chief reported that Payne suffered serious injuries that were untreatable by the time first responders arrived after the fall. Argentine journalist Paula Varela claimed that CCTV footage captured Payne’s fall and suggested that he may have fainted before falling from the balcony. The preliminary autopsy findings indicated that Payne may have fallen while in a state of unconsciousness.
The preliminary autopsy report documented 25 injuries, including severe cranioencephalic injuries that were deemed to be the cause of death. Hemorrhages in various parts of Payne’s body also contributed to the mechanism of death. Buenos Aires City Police officers were dispatched to the hotel after a report of an aggressive man believed to be under the influence was made. A translated transcript of the 911 call indicated that a guest had taken too many drugs and alcohol prior to the incident.
Prior to his death, Payne had been open about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, admitting in a podcast interview that his time in One Direction included the use of pills and alcohol. He described his substance abuse issues as severe and acknowledged that it was a problem. Authorities are continuing their investigation into who sold the drugs to Payne and how the substances reached his possession before his tragic death. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline for help.
