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A coroner will seek full reports and eyewitness statements before a final inquest into the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, a pre-inquest review heard. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler told a three-minute hearing at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court on Thursday that there are “continuing investigations in Argentina into the circumstances surrounding Liam’s death”. Liam Payne tragically passed away on 16 October 2024 after a fall from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, aged just 31. The unfortunate incident took place at the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel, located in the city's affluent Palermo district. Emergency services were summoned to the scene in the wee hours of the morning, but sadly, Payne was declared dead shortly after their arrival. An autopsy conducted in Argentina and later reviewed by British authorities concluded that his death resulted from "polytrauma" – multiple traumatic injuries consistent with a fall from height. A UK coroner's report corroborated the cause of death as "multiple injuries due to a fall from a height", finding no evidence of third-party violence or intentional self-harm. However, questions linger about the events leading up to the fall, including what transpired in the hotel room just prior. Payne had been in Argentina for a private visit following a stint of work and travel. Reports suggest he checked into the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel several days before the tragic incident. Argentine prosecutor's office investigators later revealed that Payne had been in the company of several individuals on the night of his demise. A police report painted a picture of the hotel suite in "total disorder", with bottles, medication and other items strewn about the room. Toxicology results revealed alcohol, cocaine, and prescription medications - including antidepressants and benzodiazepines - were present in his system. Several people have subsequently been charged by authorities, including hotel employees and suspected dealers, with crimes related to supplying drugs and abandoning someone leading to their death. Buenos Aires prosecutors have stated the case demonstrates "a failure of duty of care" by those who were at the hotel that evening. Legal proceedings in Argentina continue, with UK authorities working alongside investigators there. Born in Wolverhampton in August 1993, Liam Payne initially gained recognition as a competitor on The X Factor in 2010. Though he originally auditioned as a solo performer, he was subsequently placed with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik to create One Direction, under Simon Cowell's direction. The group became one of the most triumphant pop phenomena of the era. Between 2011 and 2015, they produced five studio albums, shifted more than 70 million records globally and claimed countless accolades. Their concert tours repeatedly shattered attendance and earnings records, establishing their status as one of the planet's most impactful boy bands. Following the band's announcement of an indefinite break in 2016, Payne launched his solo career. His debut single Strip That Down - featuring Quavo - became a commercial hit, followed by collaborations with artists such as J Balvin and Rita Ora. His 2019 debut album LP1 received mixed reviews but achieved solid streaming success. In recent years, Payne opened up about his mental health battles and problems with alcohol abuse. During various interviews, he discussed the weight of celebrity, isolation whilst on tour, and bouts of anxiety after One Direction's break up. In 2023, he disclosed he had received professional support and described himself as "on a better path," concentrating on fitness and staying sober. Mates and colleagues have since characterised his death as a "shocking setback" that occurred after what seemed to be a positive personal transformation. The announcement of Payne's death triggered an enormous wave of sorrow from supporters and fellow artists. His former bandmates each released statements, describing him as "a brother" and "a generous soul who always had time for others." Payne's family issued a statement thanking supporters for their kindness and asking for privacy. They have since slammed parts of the media for invasive reporting, stating it caused extra anguish to his young son and family members. Tributes were held globally, with fans congregating outside The X Factor studios in London and at memorials in Buenos Aires. In the days following his death, Payne's music streams saw a significant increase as listeners returned to the band's catalogue and his solo work.
