Five charged over death linked to Liam Payne's close friend

In October 2023, Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, died after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Authorities in Argentina charged five individuals linked to the incident, which they described as manslaughter and supplying drugs. Following a toxicology report, it was revealed that Payne had multiple substances, including alcohol and cocaine, in his system at the time of his death. Witness accounts from hotel staff and friends indicated that he had exhibited concerning behavior, prompting calls to emergency services due to his state of distress. Roger Nores, a friend of Payne's and one of the charged, claimed he left the hotel about 40 minutes before the incident but denied any involvement in the tragic outcome. The hotel manager, Gilda Martin, and receptionist, Esteban Grassi, were also charged with manslaughter for allegedly failing to provide adequate care and support for Payne during his stay. They are suspected of allowing the circumstances that led to his fall, thereby creating a life-threatening situation. The other two individuals charged, Braian Paiz, a waiter, and Ezequiel Pereyra, a hotel employee, are accused of supplying narcotics. They allegedly sold drugs to Payne on the days leading up to his death. The Argentine judicial system has decided to proceed to trial, as Judge Laura Bruniard determined that their actions likely contributed to the singer's tragic demise without intent to kill. The case has drawn significant media attention given Payne's celebrity status and what appears to be a troubling environment for his well-being during the final days of his life. Friends and former band members attended his funeral in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, where the end of a lively career and life was mourned, signaling a devastating loss for fans across the world.