Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who passed away on October 16 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, had multiple substances in his system at the time of his death, according to preliminary toxicology results.
Early toxicology findings
A toxicology report revealed that Payne, 31, had ingested several substances, including “pink cocaine,” a potent recreational drug containing a combination of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA, as reported by ABC News on October 21. This drug, alongside other substances, was detected in his system. The final toxicology results are pending, and no release date has been set, according to the New York Times.
The Buenos Aires police confirmed that the preliminary findings had been handed over to the local prosecutor’s office, which is investigating Payne’s death as a procedural matter.
Autopsy and cause of death
An initial autopsy indicated that Payne suffered both internal and external hemorrhages along with multiple traumatic injuries. Authorities have stated that the singer’s fatal injuries were caused by his fall from the balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
Payne was pronounced dead shortly after emergency services responded to a call at 5:01 p.m. local time. A hotel manager described him as “aggressive” and suspected he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Urgent 911 call
“We need you to send us someone urgently because we don’t know if the guest’s life is at risk,” the hotel employee told the operator. “He is in a room that has a balcony, and we’re a bit afraid he may do something to put his life at risk.” Payne died approximately 10 minutes after the call. Alberto Crescenti, head of local emergency services, told Buenos Aires Times that there was no possibility of saving Payne’s life, describing his injuries as “very serious.”
Disarray at the scene
Buenos Aires police reported that Payne’s hotel room was found in complete disarray, with packs of clonazepam—a central nervous system depressant—energy supplements, and various over-the-counter drugs scattered around. Several items in the room were broken, and a whiskey bottle, lighter, and cell phone were found in the hotel courtyard where Payne’s body was discovered.
A look back at Payne’s career
Liam Payne rose to global fame as a member of One Direction, one of the best-selling boy bands in history. Formed during the 2010 X Factor competition, Payne and fellow members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson skyrocketed to success with their debut single “What Makes You Beautiful,” which topped the UK charts and reached No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Despite One Direction’s meteoric rise, Payne opened up in later years about the pressures of fame, describing his time with the band as overwhelming. “It sent me a bit AWOL at one point,” Payne told The Telegraph in 2019, explaining how the claustrophobic nature of constant touring took a toll on him.
Personal tributes and family grief
Payne’s passing has yet to be addressed by his former bandmates publicly, but fans and friends have shared heartfelt tributes to the singer on social media. Payne had recently attended Niall Horan’s concert in Buenos Aires just weeks before his tragic death. In a statement, Payne’s family expressed their deep sorrow: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”