Geoff Payne traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, last week to formally identify his son Liam Payne and bring him home after the One Direction star sadly fell to his death

Liam Payne’s family has been told they will have to wait for permission to take his body home following the singer’s untimely death.

The former One Direction star died last Wednesday aged 31 after falling from the third floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His father Geoff Payne has traveled to Argentina to expedite the return of his son’s remains.

However, Geoff has now been told he could have to wait 10 days until he can take his son’s body home as the investigation into Liam’s death continues. Andrés Esteban Madrea, a representative of the public prosecutor’s office, met with Geoff to explain that toxicology and histopathological exams still need to be completed.

Once those results come through, Liam’s body can be released to his father. Geoff visited the morgue where his son is being held, as well as the CasaSur Palermo Hotel where Liam had been staying before he died.

Geoff Payne thanked fans for their tributes (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Liam Payne died at the age of 31 (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Geoff thanked Liam’s fans for the tributes they have been sharing in the wake of Liam’s death. Following Geoff’s meeting with officials, a spokesperson for the public prosecution declared: “During the meeting with Mr Madrea, the musician’s father expressed his desire for an investigation and his wish to know what happened, and told the prosecutor that he was willing to testify about everything he knows about his son’s life that could help the probe.”

The investigation into Liam’s death is still underway, with forensic tests ongoing and analysis of “mobile phones, computers, photographs and CCTV footage” in progress. Officials said: “They will require a longer period of analysis.”

Prosecutors have classified the death as “inconclusive”, stating there is currently no evidence of third-party involvement. They also suggested that Liam may have fallen from his balcony in a state of semi or total unconsciousness during a substance-induced psychotic episode.

Liam’s family have shared a heartbreaking statement following his death. They said: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”