Three charged in relation to death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne

Three people have been charged in relation to the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, according to an Argentina Prosecutor’s Office. 

The 31-year-old British musician was found dead last month after he fell from the balcony of a Buenos Aires hotel on October 16.

Authorities said in a statement Payne had traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he died.

Hear more about how and why Liam Payne’s death had a momentous impact on people around the world on The Briefing:

Those charged are: someone who was close to Payne, a hotel employee and a suspected drug dealer, prosecutors added.

The 31-year-old’s death was sudden and shocking to many fans, leading to vigils around the world.

The prosecutor’s statement said, “Illicit conduct was discovered from which three people were charged with the crimes of abandonment of a person followed by death, supply and facilitation of narcotics.”

Payne reportedly had “pink cocaine” in his system at the time of his death, a recreational drug typically made up of MDMA, ketamine and methamphetamine.

The prosecutor’s office said his death was caused by “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” resulting from the fall.

Forensic doctors told prosecutors that self-harm, as well as interference from someone else, were ruled out.

Forensics said, “It can be inferred that he may have fallen in a state of semi or total unconsciousness.”

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on Listnr today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.