Liam Payne’s Cause of Death Revealed: Autopsy and Toxicology Insights

Liam Payne’s autopsy and toxicology reports completed: Official cause of death announced

Former One Direction member Liam Payne tragically passed away on October 16, 2024 at the age of 31. While an initial autopsy was performed the day after his death, the full autopsy report provided further insight into the singer’s cause of death and was released on November 7, 2024.

What led to Liam Payne’s death?

Liam’s life ended when he fell from the third floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he had checked in three days earlier, Lawyer Monthly confirmed. Witnesses reported that the “Strip That Down” artist behaved “erratically” in the hotel lobby that day, even saying he “broke his laptop and had to be carried back to his room.” At 5:04 p.m., 911 was called, but when authorities arrived, they found Liam unresponsive in the courtyard. Officials said: “There was no way to resuscitate him” and noted that he suffered “extremely serious injuries incompatible with life as a result of the fall.” Local authorities also stated that Liam “jumped from the balcony of his room“, according to the Associated Press. An audio recording of the 911 call obtained by Telemundo revealed that a hotel employee mentioned that an unidentified guest had “used too much drugs and alcohol,” adding, “When he’s conscious, he collapses, he tears up the whole room.” “Well we need you to send someone to us please.”

Liam came to Argentina with his girlfriend. Kate Cassidyon September 30, 2024. They attended a concert by his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan on October 2, where footage showed the pair enjoying the music and chatting with fans. Kate left Argentina on October 14, leaving Liam behind, Lawyer Monthly reported.

What was Liam Payne’s official cause of death?

On November 7, 2024, the official toxicology report for Liam was released, revealing that he had only small amounts of alcohol, cocaine and a prescribed antidepressant in his system in the last 72 hours of his life, as stated by the National Criminal and Correctional Service No. 14. This conclusion was reached after a thorough analysis of his urine, blood and vitreous humor. Maffia Bizzozero, the director of the morgue, together with forensic doctor Roberto Victor Cohen, concluded that Liam’s death was due to “multiple trauma” and “internal and external bleeding” as a result of a fall. The report also clarified that all of Liam’s injuries were consistent with those typically seen in falls from heights, ruling out self-harm or involvement of others. It was determined that Liam did not display a reflexive stance to protect himself during the fall, which the autopsy findings indicate may have been in a state of semi- or total unconsciousness at the time. Officials emphasized that this scenario excludes the possibility of conscious or voluntary actions by Liam, as he was unaware of his surroundings or actions at this critical moment.

On October 17, 2024, before the full autopsy results were released, Alberto Crescenti, the head of Buenos Aires’ emergency services, confirmed that Liam suffered from “a fracture in the base of the skull.” [and] “extremely serious injuries” that led to his immediate death. A preliminary autopsy was carried out on the same day, during which forensic pathologists Santiago Maffia Bizzozero and Victor Roberto Cohen determined that the father-of-one had suffered “internal and external bleeding” due to his numerous injuries. Later reports from a partial autopsy and toxicology analysis suggested this Liam had several medications in his system at the time of his deathas sources told ABC News on October 21, 2024. These included “pink cocaine,” a recreational substance that typically combines methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA, as well as cocaine, benzodiazepines and crack cocaine. An aluminum pipe was also allegedly discovered in Liam’s hotel room.

Liam Payne’s history with substance abuse and mental health issues

The “Teardrops” singer revealed in 2019 that at the height of One Direction’s popularity, his life was dominated by “alcohol and pills” and he faced “moments of suicidal thoughts.” Liam told Men’s Health Australia that while he had a great time, there were also moments that got a little toxic. In June 2023, he mentioned that he had been sober for six months after completing a 100-day rehab program. In a YouTube video, he said: “I feel like I have a better handle on life now and things that I used to miss are easier to deal with.” I realized that I need to take some time for myself because I had become someone I didn’t know, and I’m sure you noticed it too. I was in a difficult situation before and I’m really glad I decided to put everything on pause for a while.”

Liam Payne’s tragic death shines a light on the profound impact of mental health issues and substance abuse. His life journey, marked by both fame and personal struggles, reflects the importance of mental health support and the need for awareness. His story is a reminder of the pressures faced by those in the spotlight and the importance of taking steps toward wellness.