Liam Payne, former member of the band One Direction, was found dead on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Prosecutors disclosed on Thursday that toxicology results revealed Payne had taken cocaine, alcohol, and a prescription antidepressant in the days leading up to his death. Three people have been charged with supplying him with drugs, and one faces additional charges for allegedly abandoning him in a vulnerable state.
An autopsy confirmed Payne died from “multiple traumas” and hemorrhaging caused by the fall. Although Payne struggled with substance abuse, authorities ruled out self-harm or external involvement, suggesting he may have been in a state of diminished consciousness at the time of the fall.
Payne’s death has reignited discussions about the music industry’s responsibility to address the mental health struggles of young stars. Following One Direction’s split, Payne, 31, had openly discussed the pressures of fame and his ongoing battle with addiction. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and the music community.
