The tragic death of Liam Payne after a fatal fall from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16 has been officially attributed by a British coroner to “polytrauma,” the BBC reported.
The death of the 31-year-old singer and former star of the pop band One Direction has not only devastated fans but also precipitated an investigation in Argentina, in which five individuals have been charged in connection with the incident.
An inquest held on December 17 at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court confirmed that Payne’s death was caused by polytrauma, a term used to describe multiple severe injuries affecting the body and its vital systems. Dr. Roberto Victor Cohen, a forensic examiner in Argentina, provided a medical report, which highlighted significant internal and external hemorrhaging due to the traumatic fall.
Senior Coroner Crispin Butler highlighted the challenges of the ongoing investigation, stating, “It may take some time to gather all relevant information from Argentina to determine exactly how Liam came by his death.” A pre-inquest review has been scheduled for November 6, 2025.
The Argentinian public prosecutor’s office has charged five individuals, including Payne’s friend Roger Nores, hotel manager Gilda Martín, and receptionist Esteban Grassi, with manslaughter. Two other individuals, identified only by their initials E.P. and B.P., face charges of supplying Payne with drugs.
Prosecutors allege that Nores, along with Martín and Grassi, failed in their duty of care, allowing Payne to be left alone in a dangerous environment despite his incapacitated state. The hotel staff allegedly transported Payne to his room despite the obvious risks posed by the balcony.
Additionally, toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in Payne’s system. Prosecutors argue that E.P. and B.P. supplied the substances to Payne in the days leading up to his death.
According to the prosecutor’s office, medical reports indicate that Payne may have fallen while in a state of semi or total unconsciousness, ruling out the possibility of a deliberate or voluntary act. The finding supports the conclusion that Payne had no awareness or comprehension of his actions at the time of the fall.
Court documents outline specific accusations against each of the five defendants, including their alleged roles in creating the conditions that led to Payne’s death. If convicted, the three individuals charged with manslaughter could face prison sentences ranging from one to five years.
Payne’s death has left a profound impact on the music world and his devoted fanbase. Known for his charm, vocal talent, and role in One Direction’s meteoric rise to fame, Payne was celebrated as both a global icon and a beloved figure.
His funeral, held in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in November, was attended by his former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, as well as his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and his ex-partner Cheryl, with whom he had a son.