Liam Payne inquest delayed as UK authorities await Argentine evidence

Liam Payne (Ian West/PA) Ian West

The inquest into the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne has been delayed as UK authorities await crucial evidence from Argentina. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler told a pre-inquest review at Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court on Thursday that full reports and eyewitness statements are still needed from ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the 31-year-old's death.

Payne died on October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. British authorities confirmed the cause of death as «multiple injuries due to a fall from a height». Toxicology results indicated the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription medications in his system at the time.

Argentine Investigation

Argentine prosecutors have charged several individuals, including hotel employees and suspected dealers, with crimes related to drug supply and abandonment leading to death. The case has been described by prosecutors as «a failure of duty of care». In February, charges against three of the five initially implicated individuals were dropped. Police reports described the hotel suite where the incident occurred as being in "total disorder" with bottles, medication, and various items scattered throughout.

Butler stated: «We will continue to liaise with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to seek to procure full reports, eyewitness statements and other relevant evidence to assess in due course to address the statutory questions at a final inquest… namely who the deceased was, a final medical cause of death, when, where and how he came by his death.» The next pre-inquest review is scheduled for May 7, 2026.

Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction between 2011 and 2015 before launching a solo career. He had spoken publicly about mental health struggles and alcohol abuse in recent years, stating in 2023 that he was «on a better path,» focusing on fitness and sobriety. His former bandmates described him as «a brother» and «a generous soul who always had time for others.»

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).