Liam Payne’s family breaks silence on ‘unspeakable tragedy’ as charges dropped (
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One Direction singer Liam Payne’s family spoke out on the ‘unspeakable tragedy’ of his death following the news that charges against individuals around his death had been dropped

Liam Payne’s family have spoken out on the ‘unspeakable tragedy’ of his death.

The 31-year-old died in October after falling from a third-floor balcony at his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Last month, it was reported that a court in Argentina had dropped charges of criminal negligence against three out of the five people who had been charged in connection with the death of the former One Direction singer.

On Saturday night, a video montage of Liam played out at the 2025 Brit Awards as they honoured the star. The video featured him with his family as well as his time on The X Factor and then with his One Direction bandmates, who bagged seven Brit Awards before they split up.

A statement from Liam’s family shared with PA news agency said: “Liam’s death was an unspeakable tragedy. This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him. Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him. Instead, Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother and all of Liam’s friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear.”

Liam’s family spoke out on the ‘unspeakable tragedy’ of his death

The charges were dropped against Liam’s friend Roger Nores, who was with him during his trip in Buenos Aires; Gilda Martin, the manager of the hotel where he died, and Esteban Grassi, the hotel’s main receptionist. The other two defendants are facing prosecution on charges they supplied Liam with narcotics.

Speaking about the charges to PA, the family continued: “We understand that the investigation into Liam’s death was absolutely necessary and the family recognises the work done by the Argentinian authorities. However, the family accepts the Court of Appeal’s decision to drop all charges.

“The constant media attention and speculation which has accompanied the process has exacted indescribable, lasting damage on the family, particularly on Liam’s son, who is trying to process emotions which no seven-year-old should have to experience. The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so.”

Last night, Liam was honoured with a tribute at the Brits ( 
Image:
ITV)
The family went on to reference the tribute at the BRIT Awards on Saturday. They said: “Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over. We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world. Liam, you are so loved and missed.”

Towards the end of the ceremony last night, host Jack Whitehall told the audience it was time to honour “a very special person who meant so much to so many of the people in this room and to millions of you around the world.”

He said: “He achieved so much in the short time that he was on this earth, and was not only a supremely gifted musician, but an incredibly kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with. We have so many amazing memories of Liam here at the BRITs, so tonight we celebrate his legacy, look back and remember the remarkable Liam Payne.”