Alcohol and clonazepam, a medication used to treat epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks, were found in Liam Payne’s hotel room, according to the Buenos Aires Provincial Security Ministry.
Liam Payne Found Dead After Balcony Fall
Former One Direction member Liam Payne was found dead on Wednesday (16) after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Palermo, Buenos Aires. Payne, who was staying on the third floor, allegedly jumped, according to initial police reports. Authorities discovered alcohol and clonazepam in his room, raising concerns about his mental state before the incident.
The Associated Press reported that the hotel management made an emergency call stating that Payne had been “destroying the room” and was “overwhelmed by drugs and alcohol.” The hotel manager’s call for assistance highlighted that the singer was in a highly agitated state, signaling the severity of the situation before the tragedy unfolded.
Preliminary Autopsy Confirms Instant Death
A preliminary autopsy conducted the following morning confirmed that Payne died instantly from multiple trauma and internal and external bleeding caused by the approximately 14-meter fall. Emergency responders found Liam Payne already deceased when they arrived at the scene and were unable to revive him.
Speaking to local media, Alberto Crescenti, head of the Emergency Medical Care System (Same), confirmed that Payne suffered “fatal injuries incompatible with life.” Crescenti added that the fall’s impact left no chance for resuscitation, with the singer having sustained severe trauma throughout his body.
Drugs Potentially Involved in Fatal Fall
Argentine authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to Liam Payne’s death. Officials are examining whether the singer, under the influence of narcotics, jumped from the balcony voluntarily. Evidence found in the hotel room suggests that Payne may have been in a distressed and intoxicated state before the incident.
One line of inquiry is whether Payne attempted to jump into the hotel’s pool but miscalculated the leap. The investigation continues, but the tragedy has already sparked widespread speculation about the singer’s mental health in the days leading up to his death.
Liam Payne’s Legacy in Music
Liam Payne first rose to global fame as a member of the One Direction boy band, alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. The group became one of the best-selling musical acts of the 2010s, with chart-topping hits like What Makes You Beautiful and Story of My Life.
After the band announced a hiatus in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing his album LP1 in 2019. While his solo venture received attention, it did not reach the same heights as his former bandmates’ projects. Beyond music, Payne faced personal struggles, including the end of his relationship with singer Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a seven-year-old son, Bear.
Media Criticism and Social Media Backlash
Liam Payne’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with fans mourning the loss of the once-popular star. However, the media’s coverage of the incident has faced sharp criticism, particularly after an American website published photos of Payne’s body. The release of these images was met with widespread condemnation, with many calling it a violation of privacy and dignity.
Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, has also become a target of online abuse. Some users falsely accused her of being involved in the incident. Cassidy, who had been in a relationship with Payne since 2022, has not made any public statements following the tragedy.