Liam Payne, the beloved former member of One Direction, tragically passed away last month at the age of 31. His death left fans and loved ones across the globe heartbroken, mourning the loss of a talented artist with a kind and brave soul.
Payne’s family released a heartfelt statement shortly after his passing. “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul,” the family shared.
The singer’s former bandmates also expressed their grief in a joint statement, referring to him as their “brother.” The tragedy occurred in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Payne had traveled to attend a concert by Niall Horan, his former bandmate.
On October 16, Payne fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel, the Casa Sur, suffering fatal injuries. Reports from Alberto Crescenti, the head of Argentina’s state emergency medical system, confirmed that Payne fell approximately 40 meters.
The autopsy revealed multiple traumas and internal injuries described as “incompatible with life.” Toxicology results showed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system.
Medical experts believe Payne may have been semi-conscious or unconscious at the time of the fall. Argentinian authorities launched an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Over 800 hours of surveillance footage have been reviewed as part of the inquiry. Authorities have also conducted nine raids in Buenos Aires and gathered testimonies from family, friends, hotel employees, and medical staff.
Three individuals have been charged in connection with Payne’s death. One companion faces charges of “abandonment of a person followed by death,” while two others are accused of providing drugs.
Among those under scrutiny is Rogelio “Roger” Nores, a close friend of Payne who accompanied him to Argentina. Nores, a 31-year-old businessman, visited Payne at the hotel three times on the day of the incident.
He left the hotel approximately 40 minutes before Payne’s fatal fall. In a statement, Nores vehemently denied abandoning Payne, saying, “I never abandoned Liam. I went to his hotel three times that day.”
“There were over 15 people at the hotel lobby chatting and joking with him when I left,” he added. Nores also shared his heartbreak, stating, “I could have never imagined something like this would happen.”
Despite his claims, Nores’ involvement has sparked division among Payne’s inner circle. A source close to the family revealed, “Roger would say he stepped back from working with Liam—others would say he was pushed.”
Reports suggest Nores may be one of the individuals charged by Argentinian authorities. The accusations include abandonment and complicity in supplying drugs, both carrying severe legal consequences.
Payne’s funeral was held on November 20 in his hometown of Wolverhampton, UK. Family, friends, and fellow celebrities came together to honor the life of the beloved star.
However, the funeral was marked by the absence of a prominent figure from Payne’s life. Rogelio “Roger” Nores, described as Payne’s manager by some, was notably not in attendance.
Sources confirmed that Nores was “not welcome” at the private ceremony due to strained relations with the family. “Liam’s family want his funeral to go off without a hitch,” a source told The Sun.
The source continued, “Opinions are strained when it comes to Nores, and his presence would have caused tension.” Another insider revealed, “Roger has never been popular with Payne’s wider circle.”
Nores, through a close friend, stated he respected the family’s wishes and chose not to attend. “Roger would not want to do anything to compound the pain that Liam’s family are going through right now,” the friend shared.
As fans worldwide grieve the loss of Liam Payne, investigations into his death continue. The absence of Nores at the funeral underscores the complexity of Payne’s final days and the lingering questions about his tragic passing.
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