BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A preliminary toxicology analysis conducted following the tragic death of former One Direction member Liam Payne, who fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last week, has revealed the presence of cocaine in his system, according to an official source.
While the final report is anticipated to be available in several weeks, this initial finding — provided to local authorities on Monday — indicates that the famous singer had been exposed to cocaine. However, the official emphasized that these early results do not accurately reflect the concentration of the drug in his bloodstream at the time of his fall. The source spoke anonymously as they were not permitted to disclose information publicly, but the details have been widely covered by local media.
The case is currently under investigation by Argentina’s public prosecution, which is standard procedure in instances of unexpected or sudden deaths. An autopsy conducted on Payne determined that the injuries he sustained were consistent with a fall from the third floor of the hotel. Authorities have stated that there is no indication that anyone else was involved in the incident.
During the investigation, items that appeared to be narcotics and alcohol were found scattered around Payne’s hotel room, which led prosecutors to speculate that he may have experienced a breakdown due to substance abuse shortly before the incident. They suggested that Payne might have fallen from his balcony while in a state of “semi or total unconsciousness.”
Local media reportedly published photographs from within Payne’s room, which showed white powder on a table and a damaged television. Additionally, police discovered a blister pack of clonazepam, a medication known as a central nervous system depressant, along with various over-the-counter drugs among his personal effects. Prior to his death, the hotel manager had called emergency services, reporting a guest who was behaving aggressively and appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Authorities are also investigating the source of the drugs that Payne consumed while staying at the CasaSur Hotel, located in the upscale Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Law enforcement has interviewed at least three hotel staff members, along with two women who visited his room a few hours before his death.
In the wake of this tragedy, fans and notable figures from the music industry have expressed their sorrow. Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, has been in Buenos Aires, meeting with local prosecutors to facilitate the repatriation of his son’s remains.
Authorities in Argentina are expected to release the body next week, allowing Geoff Payne to return to England to arrange a funeral. On Sunday, hundreds of devoted One Direction fans gathered to pay tribute to the late singer, marking a collective moment of mourning for the beloved artist.
