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The world was stunned last month when news broke of former One Direction member Liam Payne’s tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Now, three people have been officially charged in connection with his death, with Argentine prosecutors revealing new details about Payne’s final days.

Prosecutor Andrés Madrea has accused the three unnamed individuals of “abandonment of a person followed by death” and “supplying and facilitating the use of narcotics.” These individuals, according to the prosecutor’s office, include a friend who was frequently seen with Payne, a hotel staff member who allegedly provided him with cocaine, and a suspected drug dealer. Judge Laura Bruniard, overseeing the case, has ruled that the suspects are prohibited from leaving Argentina as the investigation continues.

The shocking incident took place when Payne fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires’ upscale Palermo neighborhood. The autopsy revealed multiple injuries and significant bleeding, ruling out self-harm or any physical intervention by others. Investigators believe he may have been unconscious during the fall, as there was no evidence of a defensive reflex.

Payne’s toxicology report showed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant. His passing has drawn parallels to similar high-profile cases, including the recent death of Friends star Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller, both of whom were found to have been supplied with substances that contributed to their tragic ends. For Payne’s case, authorities are still analyzing his cellphone records, forensic materials, and testimonies. His personal computer, though damaged, may also hold critical information once unlocked.

As fans grapple with the loss, many remember Payne as part of One Direction, the iconic boy band that dominated the music scene in the 2010s. After the band’s indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne and his bandmates—Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson—each embarked on solo careers. His trip to Argentina in early October was supposed to be a joyful reunion with former bandmate Horan, who was performing in Buenos Aires. Payne posted videos of himself dancing and singing along at the concert with his girlfriend, American influencer Kate Cassidy, who returned to the U.S. afterward, while Payne stayed behind.

As the investigation unfolds, many questions linger. What truly happened in those final days and hours of Liam’s life? And could this tragic loss have been prevented? Fans and loved ones are left waiting for answers, mourning the untimely loss of a talented artist whose life ended far too soon.