Three men charged

Liam Payne’s fall not suicide according to investigators

According to investigators, Liam Payne's fall from the hotel balcony was not a suicide. Meanwhile, three men have been arrested in Argentina in connection with the pop star's tragic death.

(Bild: picturedesk.com/Ian West / PA)

Investigators are convinced that the fatal fall of former One Direction singer Liam Payne from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires was not suicide. According to the public prosecutor's office, a "conscious act" by the singer can be ruled out, as he was not fully conscious due to his drug consumption. 

When the 31-year-old fell from the balcony more than three weeks ago, he neither knew what he was doing nor was he able to understand the consequences of his actions due to his condition, according to the public prosecutor's office.

Forensic examinations revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in Payne's body. There was no mention of any other substances.

Liam Payne fell to his death in this hotel.

(Bild: APA/AFP/Luis ROBAYO)

Dozens of witnesses questioned
Dozens of witnesses have been heard in recent weeks, the public prosecutor's office added. More than 800 hours of video footage from various security cameras have been analyzed.

Investigators have searched through calls, messages and social networks on Payne's cell phone. In addition, orders from bars and restaurants were examined in order to trace the musician's eating and drinking habits.

Three charges
Three men have now been charged in connection with Payne's death. One of the defendants is a hotel employee. He is accused of supplying Payne with cocaine on two occasions.

The other is said to have been a friend and constant companion of Payne in Buenos Aires. He is accused of abandoning Payne in a helpless situation and thus being partly to blame. According to the public prosecutor's office, he faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Three men have been arrested. They are accused of supplying Liam Payne with drugs.

(Bild: Photo Press Service)

The public prosecutor's office did not comment on the identity of the third defendant - according to media reports, he is a cleaner who worked at the hotel.

The judge in charge had informed the accused of the charges and banned them from leaving Argentina. According to the newspaper "Clarín", the defendants remain at large for the time being.

Partially or completely unconscious in fall
The ex-singer of British boy band One Direction fell from a balcony on the third floor of the hotel on October 16. According to earlier statements by the public prosecutor's office, Payne may have been going through a crisis due to the consumption of drugs and alcohol.

The musician had not reflexively tried to protect himself, the investigators had previously stated. It can therefore be assumed that he was partially or completely unconscious when he fell.

Transferred to London
The singer's body was handed over to Payne's father last weekend with the permission of the judiciary, as the public prosecutor's office has now announced. According to the Argentinian newspaper "Clarin", it has since been transferred to London.

If you or someone close to you is in an exceptional psychological situation or is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the telephone helpline on 142. You can find more crisis hotlines and emergency numbers HERE.