Argentinian police raid hotel where singer Liam Payne fell to his death

In a significant development, Argentinian police have conducted a raid at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, where former One Direction singer Liam Payne stayed prior to his tragic death last week after falling from a third-floor balcony. This operation was initiated by the special investigations unit following directives from the public prosecutor’s office.

According to an anonymous government official, officers seized various items, including computer hard drives and footage from hotel surveillance cameras, during the late-night search on Wednesday.

Liam Payne, who fell to his death on October 16 in the popular Palermo district, suffered multiple injuries along with internal and external bleeding from the fall, as stated in the autopsy report. His body was discovered in the hotel’s courtyard.

Preliminary investigative findings suggest that Payne was alone at the time and may have been undergoing a “breakdown” linked to substances, though the exact nature of these substances has yet to be confirmed. Subsequent searches of his hotel room uncovered narcotics as well as several damaged items.

A preliminary toxicology report indicated the presence of cocaine in Payne’s system, a finding that has been corroborated by a source familiar with the ongoing investigation, although comprehensive results are not anticipated for several weeks.

In the aftermath of the singer’s death, Casa Sur has transformed into a memorial site for his fans, who have left flowers, candles, and photographs in tribute near a tree at the hotel’s entrance.

Geoff Payne, the singer’s father, is currently in Buenos Aires coordinating the repatriation of his son’s body, which is expected to be released around October 28. The family, including Payne’s mother Karen and his two sisters, Ruth and Nicola, have expressed profound grief over their loss, a sentiment echoed by his former bandmates and fellow artists from around the world.

One Direction, known as one of the most successful boy bands in recent history, went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. This allowed members, including Payne, to pursue solo careers.

Interestingly, Payne had recently traveled to Argentina to attend Niall Horan’s concert on October 2. He even posted videos on his Snapchat of himself dancing with his girlfriend, American influencer Kate Cassidy, in the stands. Cassidy returned home after the concert, but Payne remained in Argentina.