Five individuals have been charged in connection with the untimely death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who died after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16. The singer, 31, fell from the third floor of the hotel, leading to a tragic incident that has now resulted in legal repercussions.
According to the Argentine prosecutor's office, hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne's friend Roger Nores have been charged with manslaughter. Two hotel employees, Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz, face charges of drug supply. The legal process in Argentina requires the prosecutor's office to compile evidence and present it to a judge for trial proceedings.
Judge Laura Bruniard stated that charges against the five suspects indicate negligence that contributed to Payne's death. Specifically, Nores is accused of failing to support Payne, who had multiple addictions, while hotel staff allegedly neglected to keep him in a safe environment before he fell.
Evidence presented in court suggests that drug use played a role in Payne's behavior prior to his fall. Toxicology reports indicated the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system, and a post-mortem examination identified the cause of death as "multiple trauma" resulting from the fall. Medical reports imply that Payne may not have been fully conscious during the incident.
Following the charges, the individuals involved have the right to appeal. If their appeals are unsuccessful, the case will move to trial, where potential sentences could range from one to five years for manslaughter and four to 15 years for drug supply.
Roger Nores, identified as Payne's close friend, later expressed grief over the incident, noting that Payne appeared to be in good spirits shortly before his fall, suggesting a sudden turn of events. Additionally, witnesses reported chaotic scenes in Payne's hotel room prior to the tragedy, leading to emergency calls from hotel staff.
Liam Payne's death has shocked fans globally, following his rise to fame as a member of One Direction, and has sparked intense media coverage. His funeral took place in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, attended by his former bandmates and loved ones.
