Liam Payne’s tragic death at the age of 31, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, has been the subject of an extensive judicial investigation. Judge Laura Bruniard, overseeing the case, has detailed the singer’s final hours, painting a picture of a man struggling with substance abuse and ultimately succumbing to a fatal combination of recklessness and neglect. The judge’s findings highlight the critical moments leading up to Payne’s fall, placing blame on several individuals who she believes failed to provide adequate care and potentially contributed to his demise.
The judge’s narrative emphasizes Payne’s escalating intoxication in the hours preceding his death. He was reportedly demanding drugs and alcohol, eventually reaching a state of incapacitation where he was unable to stand and even fainted in the hotel lobby. Instead of seeking medical assistance or ensuring his safety, hotel staff, including the receptionist and other employees, dragged him back to his room, a decision the judge deemed negligent. Bruniard argued that given Payne’s impaired state and the accessibility of the balcony from his room, the appropriate course of action would have been to place him in a safe environment under supervision until professional help arrived.
This act of negligence, according to the judge, created an “unacceptable risk” that directly resulted in Payne’s death. Bruniard contends that Payne’s manager, Rogelio “Roger” Nores, also bears responsibility for the tragedy. Nores, charged with negligent homicide, is accused of abandoning the vulnerable singer in his room, leaving him unattended and susceptible to harm. The judge classified Payne’s death as “foreseeable,” implying that those responsible should have anticipated the potential consequences of their actions. The court documents reinforce the theory that Payne, likely in a disoriented state, attempted to escape his room via the balcony, leading to the fatal fall.
Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressant medication in Payne’s system at the time of his death. This information further substantiates the judge’s claim that his judgment and physical abilities were significantly impaired, making him particularly vulnerable to the risks posed by his environment. The investigation has led to charges against five individuals. Payne’s manager, the hotel manager, and the head of reception all face charges of negligent homicide, akin to manslaughter in the UK. If convicted, they could serve up to five years in prison. Furthermore, a hotel employee and a local waiter have been charged with supplying drugs, a more serious offense carrying a potential 15-year sentence.
The judge highlighted the role of the two hotel staff members charged with manslaughter, asserting that while they may not have acted with malicious intent, their recklessness in facilitating Payne’s return to his room created the conditions for his death. She underscored the gravity of their decision, emphasizing that they should have prioritized his safety above all else. The investigation also revealed incriminating WhatsApp messages exchanged between Payne and the waiter accused of supplying him with cocaine on two separate occasions shortly before his death. These messages reportedly played a key role in the judge’s decision to file drug charges.
The waiter’s lawyer, while acknowledging his client’s drug use, maintains that he is not a dealer and no money was exchanged in the transactions with Payne. Both the waiter and the hotel employee charged with supplying drugs have been denied bail and are expected to appeal the pre-trial detention order. Payne’s manager, along with the hotel manager and head of reception, have avoided pre-trial detention by accepting travel restrictions and the seizure of assets worth nearly £40,000. Leaked texts submitted by the receptionist to investigators suggest Payne had been actively seeking cocaine shortly after checking into the hotel, placing further blame on the hotel staff for failing to address his requests for illegal substances and provide the necessary support for someone clearly struggling with addiction. The tragic circumstances surrounding Liam Payne’s death serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of substance abuse and the crucial importance of responsible care for individuals in vulnerable situations.