Three people have been charged in connection with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne, who died after a fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16. The prosecutor’s office in Argentina announced on Thursday, November 7, that the individuals face charges of “abandonment of a person followed by death” and “supply and facilitation of narcotics.”

The statement from prosecutor Andres Esteban Madrea’s office indicated that Payne, 31, was “not fully conscious” or was experiencing a “state of noticeable decrease or loss of consciousness” at the time of his fall. One of the accused individuals is reported to have been a close associate of Payne during his stay, while another is a hotel employee.

Following a comprehensive investigation, the prosecutor’s office reviewed dozens of witness testimonies, and over 800 hours of surveillance footage, and conducted a forensic extraction of Payne’s phone data, including calls, messages, and social media activity.

Inside Payne’s hotel room, investigators reportedly found evidence of narcotics, alcohol, and signs of a disturbance, with broken objects and furniture scattered around. The prosecution believes that Payne may have experienced a substance abuse-induced breakdown shortly before his fatal fall.

This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Payne’s fanbase worldwide, and the Argentine authorities are continuing their investigation to understand the circumstances that led to his untimely death.