BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Authorities have conducted a police raid at the hotel in Buenos Aires where former One Direction member Liam Payne was staying before his tragic death last week after a fall from a third-floor balcony. This operation took place on Wednesday night following directives from the public prosecutor’s office.
Members of a special investigations unit were dispatched to Casa Sur hotel, where they collected various items, including computer hard drives and surveillance footage from the hotel’s cameras. According to a government source—who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comments—the raid aimed to gather more information surrounding the incident.
Liam Payne passed away on October 16 after falling from the balcony while at the upscale hotel located in the tourist-frequented Palermo district. An autopsy report revealed that he suffered multiple injuries as well as significant internal and external bleeding stemming from the fall. His body was located in the hotel’s internal courtyard.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the singer was alone at the time of the fall and may have been experiencing a “breakdown” potentially linked to the use of unidentified substances. Following the incident, police discovered various substances in his hotel room alongside several damaged items and furniture, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Reports suggest that a preliminary toxicology analysis found cocaine in Payne’s system. This finding has since been confirmed by a source with knowledge of the situation. However, conclusive results from further toxicology tests are not expected to be announced for several weeks.
Payne’s fans have created a makeshift memorial at the Casa Sur hotel, leaving flowers, candles, and photos in honor of the singer. This tribute is centered around a tree at the hotel’s entrance, where many of his supporters have gathered to pay their respects.
The singer’s father, Geoff Payne, is currently in Buenos Aires orchestrating the repatriation process for his son’s body, which is anticipated to be released around October 28.
Family members, including his mother Karen Payne and sisters Ruth and Nicola, have expressed profound sorrow over the passing of their loved one. Former bandmates and numerous celebrities have also openly mourned the loss, sharing their heartfelt condolences.
One Direction, which rose to fame in recent years, took an indefinite hiatus in 2016. Following the break, Payne, along with other band members Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, embarked on solo careers.
Before his death, Payne had shared on Snapchat that his trip to Argentina was to attend Horan’s concert in Buenos Aires on October 2. He posted videos of himself enjoying the show with his girlfriend, American influencer Kate Cassidy, although she returned home shortly after, leaving Payne to extend his stay.