A heartbreaking toxicology report has revealed the tragic circumstances surrounding One Direction star Liam Payne's fatal fall. The pop sensation, who was just 31, tragically died on October 16 after falling from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Investigations into his untimely death are still ongoing, with reports suggesting that two hotel employees, including the receptionist who called for help after becoming worried about Liam's behaviour, could face charges. This is in addition to three other individuals set to be questioned this month, two of whom are suspected of supplying Liam with drugs and another accused of neglect resulting in death.
On November 7, an official report found traces of "alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants" in Liam's system, ruling out suicide and suggesting he may have been in a state of confusion or unconsciousness at the time of his fall. The report also noted that the father-of-one, whose death has been linked to a drug-induced "psychotic episode", "did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself in the fall, so that, for the moment, it can be inferred that he may have fallen in a state of semi- or total unconsciousness."
It was therefore determined that Liam hadn't been fully conscious or was otherwise "in a state of noticeable decrease or abolition of consciousness" at the time of his fall. The investigators stated: "For the prosecution, this situation would also rule out the possibility of a conscious or voluntary act on the part of the victim since, in the state he was in, he did not know what he was doing and could not understand it."
In a twist, new documents obtained by Rolling Stone reveal that the judge is considering charges against two employees, including the receptionist head who made two 911 calls around the time of Liam's death and still works at CasaSur, reports the Mirror.
The judge has summoned all suspects for questioning as the investigation continues. A recent filing on Monday, December 9, lists the CasaSur Palermo employees as "imputados," or "people charged," with the document requesting that they be notified. However, the specific accusations they face have not been detailed. Respected Argentinian news website Infobae identified the second hotel employee as the head of security today.
The site also reported that investigating judge Laura Bruniard, who is back leading the probe after prosecutors successfully appealed her decision to recuse herself from the inquiry on a technicality, has instructed the two men to appoint a defence lawyer so she can formally question them under oath.
Both hotel employees are set to appear in court on December 19, with appearances scheduled for 10am and 11am. The official document cites: "Since there is sufficient reason to suspect that they have participated in the investigated act, we ask that the following people give a statement."
In the Buenos Aires justice system, it's down to the judge post-interrogation to decide whether the accused should be prosecuted further, exonerated or if there's not enough evidence to go either way.
On the day he died, Liam was caught on CCTV looking visibly intoxicated and causing a commotion in the hotel foyer, leading to intervention by hotel staff. It was alleged that the pop star fought against being confined to his room, reportedly telling employees he'd escape via the balcony if trapped inside.
Staff are believed to have subsequently used a master key to place Liam in his room, and emergency services were called shortly thereafter. A staff member conveyed urgent concerns during the call about Liam's safety due to the presence of a balcony in his room, saying: "I don't know whether his life may be in danger. He is in a room with a balcony, and, well, we're a little afraid."
This same caller is seen in unsettling images circulating online, showing three individuals moving Liam to his room just moments before his tragic death, raising questions about the conduct of the hotel staff and why they didn't keep him in the public areas while waiting for assistance.
Once Liam was left alone in his room, he apparently attempted to escape via the balcony, with terrible consequences. The discovery of Liam's body in an internal courtyard, with a bag still slung over his shoulder, hints that he may have been planning to leave his suite.
Notably, this bag was not seen when he was earlier assisted from the lobby to his room. An autopsy ruled that Liam died instantly, having suffered "multiple traumatic injuries" following his fall, which subsequently led to "internal and external haemorrhage".
