Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically fell from the third-floor balcony of a Buenos Aires hotel on October 16, 2024. Payne, 31, had been staying at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel during his visit to Argentina.
Manslaughter and Drug Charges
Among those charged is Payne’s friend, Rogelio “Roger” Nores, who reportedly left the singer at the hotel an hour before his fatal fall. Nores has been charged with negligent homicide.
Two others, Braian Nahuel Paiz, a waiter, and Ezequiel David Pereyra, a hotel employee, are accused of supplying narcotics to Payne. Both face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Additionally, hotel managers Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi have been charged with manslaughter. All five individuals have been summoned to court.
Circumstances of the Death
Payne fell to his death after reportedly consuming a combination of cocaine, alcohol, and an antidepressant. Toxicology reports indicate that he was in a state of “semi or total unconsciousness” at the time, ruling out suicide as the cause.
Witnesses described the pop star as acting erratically before the incident. Grassi, the hotel’s chief receptionist, claimed Payne had persistently asked for alcohol and drugs earlier in the evening, allegedly insulting staff who refused his requests.
Photos released by investigators show a champagne glass and a damaged television in Payne’s hotel room, raising further questions about the circumstances leading to his death.
Last Hours and Legal Proceedings
Surveillance footage and witness accounts suggest that Payne was carried back to his room by three men, including Grassi, shortly before his fall. The event has drawn scrutiny, with speculation that the case could escalate into a broader manslaughter investigation.
Payne’s friend, Nores, has denied responsibility for the tragedy, stating in a previous interview that Payne was in “good spirits” when he left him. Nores also refuted claims of mismanagement, asserting he was not Payne’s manager but a close friend.
Investigation Ongoing
Argentinian police have also questioned Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who was with him days before his death. While not under investigation, Cassidy has offered to provide a witness statement, reportedly stating that she wants “the right people to be brought to justice.”
A Global Outpouring of Grief
Payne’s death sent shockwaves across the world. Fans and fellow celebrities, including his former One Direction bandmates, gathered to mourn the loss. Emotional tributes were paid during his funeral in his hometown of Wolverhampton, where band members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson were in attendance.
As investigations continue, the case underscores the dangers of substance abuse and the responsibility of those who supply or enable access to narcotics. Payne’s family and fans now await justice in the wake of a tragedy that has deeply shaken the music industry.
