- The sudden passing of Liam Payne in October 2024 left fans around the world in shock. The 31-year-old former One Direction star fell from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the aftermath, authorities charged five individuals, including Payne’s close friend Roger Nores, with negligent manslaughter. However, in February, a court dismissed the charges against Nores and two hotel employees, while two other individuals remain in custody for allegedly supplying Payne with cocaine.
Following his exoneration, Nores expressed relief, telling Rolling Stone, “Glad this is finally over. I’m happy I’m now going to be able to travel to the UK and say goodbye to my friend.” In a televised interview, he reflected on Payne’s struggles, emphasizing that despite support from those around him, overcoming addiction is ultimately a personal battle. “When someone has a drug problem, you do what you can and have the talks you need to have, but at the end of the day, it’s their decision,” he said. He also spoke about the grief and frustration that followed Payne’s passing, saying, “You ask yourself, ‘Could I have done more?’ But you can’t change the past—you just have to process it.”
Nores, a 35-year-old Argentine businessman, made a name for himself early in his career. He launched his own investment company at 23 and later served as the CEO of Stoneway Capital, an energy infrastructure firm. His achievements earned him a spot on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list in 2018. Despite his business success, he became known in the public eye due to his close friendship with Payne.
The two reportedly met in 2020 at a London house party hosted by former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful. Their bond strengthened over the years, with Payne and his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, eventually moving into Nores’ Palm Beach mansion. Just days before Payne’s death, the friends attended a concert by Niall Horan, Payne’s former bandmate, in Argentina.
Forensic experts later confirmed that Payne suffered 25 injuries, including severe traumatic brain injuries, which proved fatal. While Nores was initially implicated in the case, his lawyer, Rafael Cuneo Libarona, maintained his innocence. “He was only his friend and had no duty or legal obligation to ensure his safety,” Libarona stated. With the charges now behind him, Nores is focused on honoring his friend’s memory and moving forward.
