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Liam Payne's sudden passing shocked fans worldwide, and now, his cause of death has been confirmed.
The 31-year-old former One Direction star died on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
A press release issued at the time of his passing listed "polytrauma and internal and external bleeding" as the cause of death. Now, UK coroner Dr. Roberto Victor Cohen has officially confirmed Payne's cause of death as "polytrauma," meaning multiple traumatic injuries.
The tragedy is still under investigation in Argentina, where five people have been charged in connection with Payne's death, according to multiple outlets including the BBC. These include the hotel manager, receptionist, and Payne's friend, Roger Nores, who face manslaughter charges, while two others are accused of supplying drugs.
Toxicology reports revealed the "Teardrops" singer had alcohol, pink cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system at the time of his death.
Authorities in Argentina have ruled out intentional harm, stating Payne likely fell in a state of semi-consciousness. The prosecutor's office concluded that he didn't have the capacity to understand or control his actions that night.
In November, a memorial service was held in Buckinghamshire, where Payne was mourned by close family and friends, including his One Direction family — Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan. Also in attendance were Payne's girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and ex-girlfriend Cheryl, with whom he shared 7-year-old son Bear.
Senior Coroner Crispin Butler noted in December that resolving questions surrounding Payne's death could take time, as ongoing investigations in Argentina continue. A UK inquest has been adjourned until November 6.
Payne rose to fame as one-fifth of One Direction, the boyband formed on The X Factor in 2010 that became a global sensation with hits like "What Makes You Beautiful" and "Story of My Life." The group went on hiatus in 2016, with each member pursuing solo careers.
In a joint statement posted to Instagram, Styles, 30, Tomlinson, 33, Horan, 31, and Malik, 31, wrote, "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. 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."
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