New details have emerged following the heartbreaking passing of Liam Payne.
News of the former One Direction singer's death made headlines worldwide and left fans devastated following a tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Payne was 31 years old at the time of his death on October 16, 2024.
Now, new toxicology results have revealed that had high levels of alcohol and multiple drugs in his system when he tragically fell to his death.
A statement from Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 14 confirmed on Friday, February 21 that Payne had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 2.7 grams per liter, which equates to .27% BAC, PEOPLE reports.
According to Alcohol.com, a level that high can cause confusion, dizziness, and disorientation. The toxicology report also detected cocaine metabolites, methylecgonine, benzoylecgomine, cocaethylene, and sertraline, a prescription antidepressant.
Drug Supplier Identified as Investigation Continues
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have upheld charges against Braian Paiz, who is accused of selling drugs to Payne in exchange for money, per the press release.
Although Paiz initially denied selling the drugs, surveillance footage from October 14 — two days before Payne’s fatal fall — showed Payne retrieving money from the hotel’s reception before allegedly purchasing substances from Paiz.
Additionally, police documents revealed that all residents of Paiz’s address were involved in the sale of narcotics. Investigators also uncovered text messages between Payne and Paiz, including one in which Paiz told the singer: “The guy with the cigar just answered me, come later if you want.”
Payne reportedly replied: “I have 100 US dollars.”
Paiz and another suspect, Ezequiel Pereyra, remain in custody awaiting trial and face four to 14 years in prison if convicted.
Manslaughter Charges Dropped Against Friends and Hotel Staff
While Paiz and Pereyra remain behind bars, three other individuals initially charged in connection with Payne’s death — his friend Roger Nores and CasaSur Palermo Hotel employees Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi — have had their manslaughter charges dropped.
If convicted, they would have faced one to five years in prison, but after a recent hearing in Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Court, the charges were dismissed.
Kate Cassidy Shares Final Messages from Payne
As new details emerge about Payne’s final moments, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy has spoken out about her last interactions with him.
Cassidy had been in Argentina with Payne but returned home to Florida just two days before his death to care for their dog, Nala.
“I never thought this would’ve happened,” Cassidy told The Sun, describing Payne as her “charming soulmate.”
While preparing for his return, she sent him a final message: “I can’t wait for you to get home and see the house.”
She also shared the last photo she took of Payne, capturing him on horseback during their trip in South America.
“He looks so happy,” she said.
Cassidy revealed that she first learned of Payne’s death through TikTok, initially thinking it was a cruel rumor.
“I tried to call him. I called pretty much everybody,” she recalled.
Cassidy described feeling “completely numb”, pacing around her home in shock while their dog thought she was playing.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Payne’s official cause of death has been ruled “polytrauma”, according to an inquest held in December 2024 at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court. A preliminary autopsy also determined that he suffered multiple injuries and severe internal and external hemorrhages.
His funeral took place in Amersham, UK, in November, with fans around the world mourning the pop star’s tragic passing.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings in Argentina continue, with authorities working to piece together the full circumstances of his final hours.
If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please reach out for help and contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) or go to https://findtreatment.gov/Additionally, if you or anybody you know is struggling with mental health, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Speaking to somebody will always help.