Liam Payne was "forced" to stay in Argentina before his tragic death despite plans to leave the country, sources have claimed.
The One Direction star fatally fell from a balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday (October 16). Officials say the singer sustained "very serious injuries incompatible with life" after falling from a height of 13-14m.
Liam had been visiting the Latin American country with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, to watch his former bandmate Niall Horan play a sold-out show. The 31-year-old then hoped to travel with Cassidy to Florida and had travelled to Buenos Aires to have his "extraordinary visa" renewed, which would have allowed him entry to the US.
However, this was not initially granted due to his previous struggles with drugs and alcohol, and as a result, he had to remain in Argentina. Liam has been open about having issues with substances in the past and had used rehab facilities to help him recover. In the lead-up to his death, the star was said to have given up using drugs and alcohol altogether.
Speaking to MailOnline about his visa application, a source said: "One of the questions on the form asks, 'Have you ever abused alcohol or drugs?' Liam's problems with drugs and alcohol are well documented.
"It is widely known that he had been to rehab in the US, so he had to tick the box, and because of this he had to have medical tests. He had to be checked out by a doctor and a psychiatrist.
"All this took time. So Liam was forced to stay in Buenos Aires longer than he had planned."
Sources have since claimed the visa was due to be approved on Friday (October 18) – just two days after his tragic death. Friends claim Liam's medical and psychiatric tests came back all clear, and a meeting had even been arranged to collect the visa.
Liam was travelling on a O-1 non-immigration visa, reserved for artists, sportsmen and other individuals with extraordinary achievements, according to friends of the late musician.
A forensic report found Liam suffered 25 injuries during the fall. Experts found no defensive injuries, that all the injuries on the body were life-threatening and produced at the same time, and that no injuries were observed that would suggest the intervention of third parties.
Liam's former bandmates – Niall, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, who formed the band on the X Factor in 2010 – issued a joint statement on Thursday night (October 17). "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," it read.
"In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
English (US) ·