The body of One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically fell to his death from a Buenos Aires hotel, may not be released to his family for a UK funeral for at least a couple of weeks, according to reports in Argentina.
The 31-year-old singer's sudden passing on Wednesday (October 16) has left fans and family in shock, with his father Geoff already in Argentina to witness the outpouring of grief at the site.
Desperate to bring his son home, Geoff is facing delays as Argentine officials conduct their investigations. Local sources have informed an Argentine newspaper that Liam's remains could be held back for "between 10 and 15 days" while police await the outcome of post-mortem examinations.
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As the probe into the circumstances of Liam's death deepens, it's been claimed by Argentine media that British Embassy insiders have stated: "We are supporting Liam Payne's family and are in contact with local authorities."
Witnesses who encountered Liam in his last hours claimed he might have been affected by substances, and Prosecutor Marcelo Roma is now anticipating further toxicology test results following initial autopsy findings.
The results of histopathological, biochemical, and toxicological studies requested by the prosecutor will take between 10 and 15 days to be confirmed. Therefore, Liam's family won't receive his body until these results are back, reports the Mirror.
This follows the preliminary autopsy results from the Forensic Medical Corps at the Judicial Morgue on Viamonte Street, which revealed that Liam died from "multiple traumas" causing "internal and external bleeding" after his fall earlier this week. The Public Prosecutor's Office stated: "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 report also mentioned a toxicological and anatomical-pathological study of his blood and urine to check for any drug traces.
Furthermore, the musician's medical history might be requested to analyse his mental health history. The investigation is being led by Prosecutor No16, Andrés Madrea, with Deputy Secretary María Florencia Lavaggi taking testimonies. Full autopsy results will be disclosed in due time.
It is anticipated that Liam's funeral will be held in the UK next month, when it is hoped his body will be returned to his family.
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