The tragic death of Liam Payne, former One Direction star, in October 2024 sent shockwaves around the world. A judge in Argentina has now formally charged five individuals in connection with his death, offering a glimmer of hope for justice for his grieving family. Payne, 31, plunged 30 feet from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Judge Laura Bruniard’s ruling points to a series of negligent actions and reckless decisions that culminated in the singer’s demise. The judge deemed the tragedy “foreseeable,” placing blame squarely on the shoulders of two hotel employees who allegedly sold Payne cocaine, two additional staff members who reportedly helped “drag” him to his room, and a friend, Rogelio “Roger” Nores, who is accused of abandoning Payne in a vulnerable state just 50 minutes before the fatal fall.
The judge’s scathing assessment criticizes the CasaSur hotel staff for creating “a legally unacceptable risk” by facilitating Payne’s return to his room in his compromised condition instead of ensuring his safety and seeking medical assistance. While the judge doesn’t believe the staff acted with malicious intent, their recklessness, according to the ruling, directly contributed to Payne’s death. This negligence, coupled with the alleged supply of drugs, forms the basis of the charges. Two hotel staff members, Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz, face drug supply charges, with Pereyra accused of selling cocaine to Payne on two separate occasions and Paiz allegedly providing the drug twice. Paiz has previously admitted to using drugs with Payne but denies being a dealer.
The involvement of Payne’s friend, Rogelio Nores, adds another layer of complexity to the case. Nores, a US citizen, was present with Payne at the hotel but allegedly left him alone shortly before the incident. CCTV footage reportedly shows Nores departing the hotel in the early hours of October 16th. Prosecutors allege that Nores failed in his duty of care, knowing Payne was in a vulnerable state and unable to look after himself. Nores has been banned from leaving Argentina and has had assets seized. He previously maintained that Payne was in good spirits on the day of the incident, interacting and joking with other guests. Despite Nores’ claims, he now faces a charge of negligent homicide, the Argentinian equivalent of manslaughter, alongside hotel staff members Esteban Grassi and Gilda Martin, the chief receptionist and head of security respectively.
The judge’s report, compiled from WhatsApp messages, witness testimonies, and CCTV footage, paints a disturbing picture of the events leading up to Payne’s death. It describes hotel staff “dragging” the visibly intoxicated singer to his room, despite his apparent desire to climb over the balcony. The report criticizes the staff for not placing Payne in a safe environment with supervision until medical help could arrive. A toxicology report revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and an antidepressant in Payne’s blood, further solidifying the narrative of a troubled young man grappling with substance abuse. The official cause of death was listed as “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage.”
Liam Payne’s family has endured an agonizing few months. The charges brought against the five individuals offer a potential path towards justice, albeit one intertwined with the painful details surrounding their son’s final hours. The family hopes for a successful prosecution and a sense of closure after this devastating loss. Beyond the legal proceedings, the family faces the difficult task of managing Payne’s unfinished projects, including a forthcoming album and a talent show filmed shortly before his death. Discussions with his record label and Netflix executives are expected to take place in the near future, aiming to honor his legacy while respecting the family’s wishes.
Liam Payne’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of substance abuse and negligence. His family’s pursuit of justice underscores the importance of accountability and the need for support systems to protect vulnerable individuals. As the legal process unfolds in Argentina, Payne’s family, friends, and fans around the world mourn the loss of a talented artist whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances. His legacy, both musical and philanthropic, will endure, alongside the painful reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of fame and fortune.
