Liam Payne Likely Procured Drugs from a Hotel Employee Before Death, Indictment Could Follow: Source (Exclusive)
Payne died at age 31 on Oct. 16 after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Liam Payne in January 2023It's likely Liam Payne was using substances in the time leading up to his death.
A source in the prosecutor’s office with knowledge of the investigation, who requested to remain confidential because of the sensitivity of his position, tells PEOPLE that prosecutors believe the drugs were procured for Payne by a hotel employee before the former One Direction member fell multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and died at age 31 on Oct. 16.
"There appears to be evidence that a hotel employee sourced the drugs for Payne," the source says. "An indictment for drugs distribution could follow shortly."
Related: Liam Payne Was 'Kicked Out' of Another Hotel in Days Leading Up to His Death: Sources (Exclusive)
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Liam Payne in December 2022In a public statement translated from Spanish, the prosecutor has said that he is keeping all avenues of investigation open, including foul play, and, in particular, looking into who supplied Payne the drugs in the hours leading up to his death, that were purportedly found in his hotel room. The investigation also aims to determine the potential involvement of third parties leading up to Payne’s death.
Multiple other sources previously told PEOPLE that Payne was asked to leave another hotel, the Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, after appearing intoxicated and bothering other guests. The hotel had no comment on the matter.
Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, previously told PEOPLE the musician "jumped from the balcony" of his hotel room.
A preliminary autopsy report revealed Payne died from multiple injuries and "internal and external" hemorrhages after the fall, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office confirmed to PEOPLE.
Related: Liam Payne's Hotel Room Found in 'Total Disorder' After One Direction Star's Death: Police
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Liam Payne in November 2017The coroners told PEOPLE that 25 injuries in the autopsy were "compatible with those caused by a fall from a height" and noted that "the head injuries were sufficient to cause death," while the "internal and external hemorrhages" of the skull, thorax, abdomen and limbs contributed to Payne's death.
Authorities stated that "no defensive injuries were found" and no injuries suggested that any third parties were involved. The prosecutor’s office handling the case also confirmed that a toxicology report is still pending.
Following Payne's death, Buenos Aires police found his hotel room "in total disorder," authorities told PEOPLE.
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Liam Payne in October 2019Law enforcement investigated his room on Oct. 17 and found prescription drug clonazepam (brand name: Klonopin), energy supplements and other over-the-counter drugs scattered throughout the space, along with “various items broken.”
A whiskey bottle, lighter and cellphone were later recovered from the hotel’s internal courtyard, where Payne’s body was discovered. And photos obtained by the Daily Mail alleged to be of his hotel room showed what appears to be extensive drug paraphernalia and a smashed television.
Authorities collected fingerprints, a notebook, his passport, and other evidence for lab analysis. “The balcony area was inspected to determine access points,” the police force told PEOPLE.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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Read the original article on People.