Authorities in Argentina conducted a raid at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, where former One Direction singer Liam Payne had been staying before his untimely death last week. The police special investigations unit carried out the operation on Wednesday night following orders from the public prosecutors’ office. During the raid, officers seized various items, including computer hard drives and footage from hotel cameras.
Liam Payne tragically passed away on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony in the upscale Palermo district of Buenos Aires. The autopsy revealed that Payne succumbed to multiple injuries and internal as well as external bleeding resulting from the fall. His lifeless body was discovered in the hotel’s internal courtyard.
Initial findings suggest that the musician was alone at the time of the incident and was reportedly going through a 'breakdown' possibly induced by substances, the nature of which is yet to be determined. Substances were found in Payne’s hotel room post his demise, along with several damaged objects and furniture, as per the public prosecutors’ office.
A preliminary toxicology report indicated the presence of cocaine in Payne’s system, as reported by local media and confirmed by a reliable source. However, conclusive results are anticipated to be released in the coming weeks.
The Casa Sur hotel has now become a site where fans of Liam Payne gather to pay their respects. They have created a makeshift shrine adorned with flowers, candles, and photos of the late singer around a tree near the hotel’s entrance.
Liam Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, is currently in Buenos Aires making arrangements for the repatriation of his son’s body, which is expected to be released by around October 28. The Payne family, including his mother Karen Payne and sisters Ruth and Nicola, have expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss, as have his former bandmates and numerous artists and celebrities worldwide.
One Direction, the immensely popular boy band that Payne was a part of, went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, allowing each member to pursue solo careers. Liam Payne had recently traveled to Argentina to attend a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan on October 2, as per his Snapchat posts. He was seen enjoying the event with his girlfriend, American influencer Kate Cassidy, who had left Argentina after the concert while Payne remained in the country.
As the world mourns the loss of Liam Payne, his legacy as a talented musician and beloved personality continues to resonate with fans and well-wishers globally.
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