The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Liam Payne, the beloved former One Direction star, who passed away on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires.
Argentine authorities have detained three individuals in connection with his death, including one person charged with abandonment and two others accused of supplying and facilitating drugs, one of whom was reportedly a hotel employee.
According to the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, Payne’s tragic fall, reportedly from a state of semi or total unconsciousness, led to his death by “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage,” with toxicology revealing traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant.
The incident has prompted reflections on the dangers of drug and alcohol use, particularly in the high-pressure world of fame and entertainment.
Payne, 31, known for his role in the internationally acclaimed boyband One Direction, was a role model to many aspiring artists.
Following reports that emergency services were twice called for disturbances related to his drug and alcohol use, the case serves as a solemn reminder of the need for support and awareness surrounding substance abuse.
As Payne’s body is returned to his family in the UK, fans and the industry remember his lasting impact, while sending condolences to his loved ones and urging those in similar struggles to seek help.