Argentine Police Raid Hotel Following Liam Payne's Death

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine police conducted a raid on the Buenos Aires hotel where former One Direction singer Liam Payne was staying before his tragic death. Liam fell from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel on October 16, 2024. A government official stated that the police raid was ordered by the public prosecutors' office.

A special investigations unit arrived at the hotel on Wednesday night. Officers seized various items, including computer hard drives and footage from the hotel’s cameras to aid in the investigation.

Details of the Incident

According to an autopsy, Liam Payne suffered multiple injuries, as well as internal and external bleeding from the fall. His body was discovered in the hotel’s internal courtyard. Initial reports suggest that he was alone at the time and was undergoing a breakdown, possibly due to the consumption of substances that have not yet been identified. After the incident, law enforcement found various substances in his hotel room along with several damaged items.

Preliminary toxicology results indicated that cocaine was present in his system, a detail confirmed by a source familiar with the matter. However, final toxicology results may take weeks to become available.

Reaction and Tributes

The Casa Sur hotel has since become a memorial site for fans of the singer, who have been leaving flowers, candles, and photographs at a makeshift shrine outside the hotel. Liam’s father, Geoff Payne, is currently in Buenos Aires making arrangements for his son's body to be repatriated, expected around October 28.

The family, including Liam's mother, Karen Payne, and his sisters, have expressed their deep sorrow over his loss. Fans and celebrities worldwide are also sharing their condolences and grief over the singer’s untimely passing.

Liam had traveled to Argentina for a concert by fellow One Direction member, Niall Horan, on October 2. He shared joyful moments on social media during that trip, where he was seen dancing with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. Cassidy had returned to the United States while Liam remained in Argentina.

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