British pop star and former One Direction member Liam Payne reportedly used powerful hallucinogenic drugs before tragically falling to his death from a hotel balcony in Argentina on October 16.
Payne, aged 31, was found deceased after plummeting from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Police sources indicate that Payne had consumed a dangerous substance known as “Cristal,” notorious for inducing severe psychological effects, including aggressive behaviour. Authorities are awaiting test results on narcotics and medications recovered from his room to confirm these details.
Reports suggest multiple substances might have influenced Payne at the time of his fall. Hotel staff, who alerted emergency services, described him as “an aggressive man overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol.” A police statement to AP disclosed that he “had jumped” from his balcony.
Read: Details of Liam Payne’s Death in Buenos Aires Hotel Incident
Upon entering Payne’s hotel suite, officers found a chaotic scene with broken items and various drugs strewn about. The substances identified included clonazepam, a central nervous system depressant, as well as energy supplements and over-the-counter medications.
Forensic teams also found a whiskey bottle, a lighter, and a cell phone near where his body was discovered. The lack of defensive injuries led investigators to speculate that Payne might have been semi-conscious or unconscious at the time of his fall.
In a 2021 interview on “The Diary of a CEO” podcast, Payne expressed concerns about reaching his lowest point, stating, “I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be. Where’s rock bottom for me? And you would never have seen it. I’m very good at hiding it. No one would ever have seen it.”
Payne had undergone rehab treatments multiple times and had previously spoken about his struggles with suicidal thoughts. Despite earlier claims of sobriety, sources close to him suggest he was grappling with significant drug addiction issues leading up to his death. The investigation into the precise circumstances of his death continues.
Meanwhile, fans have gathered outside the hotel to honour Payne’s memory with flowers and candles. His former bandmates have shared their sorrow, reflecting on cherished moments with him and requesting privacy as they mourn.