One Direction singer Liam Payne tragically fell to his death from the third floor of the Casa Sur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, while on holiday in Argentina
Mystery still shrouds Liam Payne’s tragic final hours before he devastatingly fell to his death.
The One Direction star suddenly died aged 31 on October 16 after plunging from the third floor of the Casa Sur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires. A body was found in an internal patio of the boutique hotel shortly after 5pm local time. It was reported he suffered “severe injuries which were incompatible with life.”
Questions have emerged about the moments that led to the dad-of-one tragically dying. As police and prosecutors continue to investigate the tragedy within the hotel, the Mirror takes a look at the latest reports…
Police raid hotel
Police have raided Liam’s hotel following the star’s sudden balcony death. Photos have emerged of officers, wearing light blue jackets, entering the building as they look for more information and speak to hotel staff.
Police are said to be requesting further information from the hotel in the Argentinian capital, with sources claiming the venue “must provide” more security footage to investigators. It’s also said more information regarding who was working on the day has been requested.
According to US Weekly, police are seeking to identify which workers had been working on the day of the star’s death as well as in the days leading up to the tragedy. As part of the police raid, a source told the publication that they were seeking documents within the hotel’s registration books as well as taking information from its computers.
Liam’s bodyguard, Paul Higgins, was seen with the police at the establishment reviewing security footage. He was also seen interviewing several hotel employees to try to find out who reportedly supplied the late One Direction singer with alleged narcotics, as widely reported on mainstream media.
Tragic hotel room
Photos purporting to show the inside of the deluxe suite Liam had checked into were published by Argentinian media hours after his death. News outlets, including La Nacion and Clarin, confirmed the photos, showing traces of a white powder and burnt aluminium foil as well as a smashed TV, were taken inside Liam’s room at the upmarket Hotel CasaSur Palermo.
A half-drunk glass of what appeared to be champagne and another empty glass beside it had been left next to the broken television. A Dove soap packet, an empty glass, pieces of aluminium foil, the remains of a burnt candle and the burnt top of a drinks can were also clearly visible, along with traces of a white powder.
Argentinian news portal Infobae reported on Monday that forensic experts had discovered traces of cocaine in Liam’s body but tests on the white powder had so far proved “inconclusive”. Other unconfirmed reports originating in the US claimed a cocktail of drugs, including designer narcotic pink cocaine had been found in his system during a partial autopsy, along with crack cocaine and benzodiazepine.
Infobae has since insisted there is no mention of the other drugs in any official reports so far on Liam’s death. Prosecutors have said there is no evidence pointing to any third-party involvement. They have said Liam may have plunged from his balcony “in a state of semi or total unconsciousness” during a substance-induced psychotic episode.
Inside the hotel
The Casa Sur Palermo hotel, which has a four out of five star rating on TripAdvisor, claims to have ‘one of the most magnificent terraces’ in Buenos Aires. The lavish hotel’s website states that it boasts 61 modern rooms, a dimly lit dining area and a crystal blue outdoor pool where guests can enjoy the ‘urban area’, as well as an on-site spa and sauna facilities.
A description reads: “CasaSur Palermo hotel is located in the modern neighbourhood of Palermo Hollywood, surrounded by bars, art galleries and the best restaurants in the city of Buenos Aires.” The website adds that the interiors are “elegantly decorated in a chic and contemporary style and feature minimalist furniture, wooden floors and delicate textures”.
Just hours before the tragedy, Liam had uploaded images for his fans on Snapchat. In them, he was seen sharing his food and told of his plans to play polo. He also filmed his girlfriend Kate Cassidy as they ate breakfast together. Liam said: “This is the breakfast table, just enjoying breakfast and coffee even though it’s 1pm.”
He revealed they had been staying at their friend’s home as Kate joked in the background they are “losers” for laying in. Liam had earlier explained on social media why he was in the country. He said: “We’re going to Argentina. One, because we have to, and two, because we want to, and three, because Niall Horan’s playing down there and I think we might just go and say ‘Hello’.
“It’s been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We’ve got a lot to talk about and I would like to square up a couple things with the boy. No bad vibes or nothing like that, but just, we need to talk.” Another selfie was captioned: “Lovely day in Argentina”, and Liam also shared a photo of the hotel, writing: “Happy I got some time away”, followed by a heart emoji.
When tragedy hit
A hotel manager made two 911 calls requesting “urgent” assistance ahead of Liam’s tragic death, expressing concerns for his wellbeing. Casa Sur’s head of reception told emergency services: “We have a guest who’s off his head on drugs and is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.”
He phoned back after the line went dead, and said: “I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger… The room has a balcony and we are afraid he might do something.” Seconds later the hotel employee, who identified himself only by his first name of Esteban, added: “Just send an ambulance, only an ambulance.”
City ambulance service provider spokesman Alberto Crescenti said: “The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur. At 5.11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead. Afterwards we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him.”
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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