Liam Payne’s Friend Charged in Connection to His Death Following Buenos Aires Investigation

The investigation into the tragic death of Liam Payne has taken a serious turn. An unnamed friend of the former One Direction star has been charged following an inquiry led by the Buenos Aires National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, according to reports from Argentine newspaper Clarin. The friend, identified through messages found on Payne’s phone, was not at his residence when authorities conducted a raid.

Payne, who was only 31, passed away on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. A partial autopsy revealed alarming details: Payne had “pink cocaine” — a potent mix of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA — as well as cocaine, benzodiazepine, and crack in his system at the time of his death.

The investigation into Payne’s sudden death revealed that, in addition to his friend, two hotel employees were under scrutiny. Local outlet Infobae detailed that authorities raided both the Buenos Aires hotel and the homes of the two staff members and Payne’s presumed friend. Security footage reportedly shows one of the hotel employees interacting with Payne, and one of the employees has since been dismissed from their position.

The initial raid on the hotel took place on October 23, as investigators aimed to find any clues from the days leading up to Payne’s death. Authorities gathered documents from the hotel’s registration books, computers, and security camera footage. An insider source told Us Weekly that a follow-up raid was conducted on November 5, underscoring the confidentiality of the ongoing judicial investigation.

Footage captured by local news outlet Farandula Show showed police officers exiting the hotel wearing blue vests, with backpacks and shoulder bags in tow, along with a cardboard box containing undisclosed items. These materials were transported to a police vehicle parked outside.

Adding to the emotional weight of the investigation, Payne’s body was transported from Buenos Aires to London on November 6, where his family is set to hold a funeral service to honor and remember him.