Liam Payne’s tragic death at the age of 31 has led to multiple charges being filed. According to a report from a local Argentine news outlet, five individuals are facing charges related to the incident. Among those charged is Payne’s friend, Roger Nores, who faces manslaughter charges, along with Esteban Grassi, a receptionist at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, and Gilda Martin, the hotel’s head of security.
In addition, Braian Paiz, a waiter, and Ezequiel Pereyra, another hotel employee, were charged with allegedly supplying drugs to Payne before his death. All five individuals have been summoned to appear in court for further proceedings.
The investigation into Payne’s death began in November when three individuals were initially charged. The prosecutor’s office filed charges for abandonment leading to death and for supplying and facilitating narcotics. This came after a 180-page indictment, which included testimonies and evidence that sought to reconstruct Payne’s last days at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
In Buenos Aires, nine raids were carried out, and over 800 hours of security footage were reviewed. Investigators gathered statements from hotel staff, medical professionals, friends, and family members. The evidence revealed at least four instances of narcotics being supplied to Payne and other forms of facilitation that contributed to his addiction during his stay between October 13 and 16.
Liam Payne’s lifeless body was discovered on October 16 after he reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony at the hotel. A preliminary autopsy concluded that the cause of death was multiple traumas, including hemorrhages in his chest, skull, and abdomen. Additionally, drugs were found in his system, although the incident was not ruled a suicide.
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Roger Nores, Payne’s close friend, publicly spoke out about the tragic event. He denied any involvement in abandoning the former One Direction member, stating that Payne was surrounded by people when he left the hotel. Nores expressed deep sorrow, stating he could never have predicted such a tragedy. He added that he had been mourning his friend daily since the incident.
In early December, Nores filed a complaint accusing the CasaSur Palermo Hotel of failing to protect Payne during his stay. He argued that hotel staff should have been aware of Payne’s apparent struggles with drug use and that a 24-hour doctor should have been provided. Nores also claimed that the hotel manager was aware of Payne’s intoxicated state and failed to act accordingly.
In another court filing, Nores testified about his efforts to support Payne. He described himself as a loyal friend who spent his own money trying to help the troubled singer. Nores rejected the accusation that he played any part in Payne’s death, stating he had always done everything he could to help his friend.
Nores also revealed that Payne had a history of severe drug use. He mentioned a particularly concerning incident in September 2023, when Payne had to be hospitalized in Milan after a life-threatening overdose. Payne was reportedly hospitalized twice more in London that year, but despite these efforts, his struggles with addiction continued.
Liam Payne was laid to rest in England a month after his death. He is survived by his parents, sisters, and his son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl Cole. His untimely passing has left a significant impact on those who knew and loved him, and the ongoing investigation continues to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death.
