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Liam Payne, 31, tragically died after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leaving fans devastated, with vigils for the former One Direction singer held across the world
Impromptu vigils and memorials have been held by heartbroken One Direction fans, who were devastated by his tragic death in Argentina last week. The 31-year-old singer, who is dad to son Bear, 7, suffered fatal injuries after he fell three floors from his balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office are not looking for anyone else in connection with his death, and they believe he could have plunged from the balcony in a state of “semi or total unconsciousness” after drugs and alcohol were found in his room.
His mum Karen and dad Geoff flew to Argentina to formally identify their son’s body and organise Liam’s return to the UK. The Strip That Down hitmaker’s body is expected to remain in Argentina for up to 15 days, pending the results of toxicology tests. According to reports, Liam had multiple drugs including crack cocaine and methamphetamine in his system when he fell to his death. Prosecutors also suggested that the singer could have had a substance abuse-induced breakdown around the time of his fall, as he was reportedly being aggressive in the hotel reception just minutes before his death.
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The preliminary results of an autopsy revealed that he died from “multiple traumas” that caused “internal and external bleeding”, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office said that he would not have been able to survive the injuries caused by the fall. “The head injuries were sufficient to cause death, while the internal and external haemorrhages in the skull, chest, abdomen and limbs contributed to the mechanism of death,” the statement read. The full autopsy will be released in due course.
Liam’s death is being treated as “inconclusive” as the investigation into his death continues. Officials were reportedly trying to locate two women who were seen with the singer on the day of his death, and have since taken statements from them. They have also been interviewing hotel staff, and are trying to track down who sold Liam the drugs. This could take days to carry out, but because prosecutors do not believe anyone else is involved in Liam’s death, the investigation may be concluded in a matter of days. However, his family may be forced to endure an inquest into Liam’s death back in the UK.
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Once that happens, Liam’s remains will be released to his family for repatriation to England, meaning his funeral might be held at the beginning of November. The British Embassy are supporting Liam’s grieving family as they make arrangements, and it is expected that the funeral will take place in the singer’s home city of Wolverhampton. It’s not yet known if there will be any official memorial organised for the fans to pay tribute to Liam, as the funeral itself will be a private affair, attended by the singer’s close family and friends.