The autopsy of former One Direction singer Liam Payne revealed the presence of alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of his death. Authorities in Argentina have allowed charges to proceed against Payne’s manager and employees of the hotel where he was staying when he died. The Argentinian judge stated that they had failed Payne in the moments leading up to his death, which occurred when he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Payne was 31 years old at the time of his death, and his manager, hotel manager, head of reception, a hotel employee, and a local waiter are facing charges in relation to his death.
The charges include manslaughter for Payne’s manager and the hotel management, who could each face up to five years in prison if convicted. The hotel employee and waiter are accused of providing Payne with cocaine during his stay, and they face up to 15 years in prison. The judge in her decision ordered them jailed before their trial, stating that they had put Payne’s life at risk by taking him to his room in his vulnerable state. Payne’s autopsy revealed that he had consumed “large quantities” of cocaine and alcohol at the time of his death, and it was shown that he had purchased cocaine from the hotel employee and waiter multiple times during his stay.
Video footage from the hotel lobby showed that moments before Payne’s death, he was unconscious and being carried up to his room by three individuals. The hotel receptionist led the group, and they were later seen in the hallway outside Payne’s room. The judge stated that Payne’s consciousness was altered, and given the presence of a balcony in his room, he should have been left in a safe place with someone present until a doctor could arrive. It was revealed that Payne attempted to leave his room through the balcony and fell due to his altered state.
Payne’s manager, known only by his initials, left the hotel less than an hour before Payne’s fall. The judge argued that he should not have entrusted the hotel employees with Payne’s wellbeing, and she prevented him from leaving Argentina. Payne rose to fame as part of the group One Direction, which formed after his appearance on The X Factor in the UK in 2010. The group achieved worldwide success before disbanding in 2016. Payne pursued a solo career after the group split and released his last single in March.
The tragic death of Liam Payne has brought about legal consequences for his manager and hotel employees who are facing charges in Argentina. The presence of alcohol and cocaine in Payne’s system at the time of his death has shed light on the events leading up to the incident. The judge’s decision to move forward with charges against those involved emphasizes the importance of accountability in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals in vulnerable situations. Payne’s legacy as a member of One Direction and his successful solo career serve as a testament to his talent and impact on the music industry. The circumstances surrounding his death highlight the dangers of substance abuse and the responsibility that individuals and establishments have in ensuring the safety of those in their care.
