Investigation Ongoing in Death of Liam Payne as Five Individuals Charged

Wed Oct 22 2025 21:52:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Authorities in Argentina have charged five people in connection with the tragic death of One Direction's Liam Payne, who died from a fall in Buenos Aires.

The investigation into the death of Liam Payne has resulted in charges for five individuals, including hotel staff and a friend. The circumstances surrounding his fall have raised significant concerns, with toxicology reports indicating substance involvement.

Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, as reported by local media in Argentina. The 31-year-old musician passed away on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires.

Among those charged are hotel manager Gilda Martin and staff member Esteban Grassi, as well as Roger Nores, a friend of Payne’s. The Argentine National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office announced that these individuals face manslaughter charges. In addition, hotel employees Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra are also charged with supplying drugs.

According to Infobae, a judge has ordered that two of the five accused individuals be held in custody, with a court appearance scheduled within 24 working hours. The prosecutor's office has yet to disclose the names of these two individuals.

The investigation has been closely examining Payne's final moments at the hotel. Reportedly, on the day of the incident, Nores described Payne as appearing "playful and happy" just an hour before he fell. Following the incident, emergency services were alerted by hotel staff who reported that Payne was "trashing" his room under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Preliminary toxicology reports indicated the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in Payne's system. A post-mortem examination labeled his cause of death as “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” resulting from the fall. Medical assessments suggested that he may have been in a state of unconsciousness at the time of the accident, dismissing the possibility of a conscious act.

Liam Payne rose to fame as part of the globally successful boy band One Direction after his appearance on The X Factor in 2010. The band took an indefinite hiatus in January 2016. His funeral took place in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, last month, attended by former bandmates and loved ones, including his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and ex-partner Cheryl, with whom he shares a son.