In a tragic turn of events, Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16. Argentine authorities have since charged three individuals in connection with his death, including a friend of Payne’s, Roger Nores, who may face accusations of abandonment.
Reports indicate that Payne had been consuming alcohol and drugs prior to the incident, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his final hours.
Nores, who was reportedly with Payne before his fatal fall, has denied any wrongdoing. He claims that Payne was in good condition when they last interacted around 4 p.m., just an hour before the incident.
However, hotel staff described Payne as “visibly intoxicated” and disruptive earlier that day, necessitating intervention. This contradiction has led prosecutors to scrutinize Nores’ actions during their time together.
The charges against Nores could include “abandonment leading to death,” which carries a potential prison sentence of five to fifteen years. Additionally, two other individuals—a hotel employee and a suspected drug dealer—are accused of supplying drugs to Payne during his stay.
Authorities allege that the hotel employee provided cocaine to the singer, contributing to his state at the time of the fall.
Investigators have conducted extensive inquiries, including forensic examinations of Payne’s phone and over 800 hours of video footage from the hotel.
Toxicology reports revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system. The autopsy confirmed that he died from multiple injuries sustained in the fall.
As the investigation unfolds, Nores’ passport has been confiscated, preventing him from leaving Argentina until legal proceedings are resolved. His legal team is seeking to transfer the case to local prosecutors, arguing for a fair assessment of his involvement.
This case has drawn significant media attention, paralleling other high-profile incidents involving substance abuse and celebrity deaths. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine accountability for Payne’s tragic demise and shed light on the events leading up to that fateful day.
