Three people charged over Liam Payne’s death

Topline

Argentine prosecutors announced that three people have been charged in connection with the death of singer Liam Payne, who died on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

Important facts

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What did Payne’s toxicology report show?

In Thursday’s news release, officials said the toxicology report showed that Payne “had traces of polydrug use of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system in the 72 hours before his death,” according to a translation by AFP. Shortly after Payne’s death, sources told ABC News that the singer had several drugs in his system when he died, including “pink cocaine,” a drug that is typically a mixture of methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA and other substances, although these drugs were not mentioned in the toxicological findings.

Important background

Before Payne’s death, there were reports that he was behaving erratically in the hotel lobby, and authorities said the hotel manager called 911 complaining about a guest “under the influence of drugs and alcohol” who had “destroyed some items.” the room.” The manager also said that the guest had a balcony in his room and “we fear it could endanger his life,” the BBC reported. Payne, 31, was reportedly in Argentina after attending the concert of one of his former bandmates, Niall Horan, weeks earlier. Payne and Horan, along with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, were members of the British boy band One Direction, which formed on “X-Factor” in 2010 and announced an indefinite hiatus in 2015. All five members attempted solo careers. and Payne released his first solo album, LP1, in 2019. He released his latest song, “Teardrops,” earlier this year. The other four members of the band issued a statement after Payne’s death, saying they were “completely devastated” and would “need some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved very much.” .”

Big number

800. That’s how many hours of video footage from surveillance cameras throughout the hotel and surrounding areas prosecutors reviewed, according to the press release. They also reviewed the contents of Payne’s phone, a record of guests and orders placed at the hotel and more.

tangent

Payne’s death led to fan tribute gatherings worldwide. According to police, between 800 and 1,000 people were present at a gathering in London’s Hyde Park on October 20, days after his death, and there were also gatherings in Germany, Spain, Argentina, Sweden and the United States

Further reading

ForbesMentor Nicole Scherzinger Remembers Liam Payne’s ‘Light And Laughter’: What You Should Know About His DeathFrom Molly Bohannon