The investigation into Liam Payne's tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at Buenos Aires' CasaSur Palermo Hotel has taken a dramatic turn.
This week, Argentinian authorities conducted raids on the homes of two hotel employees and a close friend, believed to have been in contact with the singer prior to his fatal accident.
According to official sources, investigators searched the employees' lockers for additional clues, as they attempt to understand the circumstances leading to Payne's death.
The police zeroed in on Payne's inner circle through messages on his phone, which helped identify individuals suspected of providing him with drugs.
Authorities are reportedly scrutinizing Payne's interactions in the days and hours leading up to the incident. It's been reported that a key contact of interest was not home when authorities arrived to search his premises.
Troubling evidence emerges
Liam Payne's passing has not only raised questions about his final hours but also about his mental state and behavior at the time of the incident.
In a call made by a hotel receptionist, it was revealed that Payne had been acting erratically in the hotel lobby before his fall.
The post-mortem report attributed his death to head injuries from the fall, with toxicology tests confirming a mix of substances in his bloodstream, including a potent concoction known as "Pink Cocaine," along with benzodiazepine, cocaine, and crack.
"Pink Cocaine," often referred to on the streets as "tusi" or "tuci," is known for its signature pink hue, which is enhanced with food coloring and sometimes flavored with strawberry. It combines a unique mix of stimulant and depressant effects.
Former DEA agent Bill Bodner described the drug's unpredictable and often dangerous effects, stating, "The first piece that we almost always see in pink, or pink cocaine, is ketamine - a dissociative drug, something that makes people feel like they're detached from reality. The second component is psychedelics."
This complex combination has sparked concern over Payne's state of mind leading up to the accident.
A scene of chaos
Inside Payne's hotel room, investigators reportedly found signs of chaos. Images from the scene showed a shattered TV, burnt aluminum foil in the bathtub, and white powder scattered around the room.
A half-full glass of champagne and other drug paraphernalia were also discovered, providing a troubling glimpse into the singer's final moments.
The artist had previously spoken openly about his past struggles with addiction, expressing a desire to move forward and build a healthier lifestyle.
Sadly, this incident underscores the challenges he continued to face in dealing with substance use. As investigators work to piece together the last hours of Payne's life, they hope to bring closure to a case that has deeply saddened fans and friends alike.
The probe continues, as police examine all angles to understand how and why the tragic events unfolded.