Liam Payne, former One Direction star, had a mix of drugs, including crack, cocaine, and benzodiazepines, in his system at the time of his fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to a new toxicology report. The 31-year-old singer tragically died on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
Sources told ABC News that the toxicology tests also found “pink cocaine” — a recreational drug known to contain methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA. Additionally, an improvised aluminum pipe used for drug ingestion was discovered in Payne’s room. The pop star’s body will remain in Argentina until the full autopsy is completed.
Authorities believe Payne was under the influence of “cristal,” a drug known for causing extreme emotional swings and aggression. A preliminary autopsy revealed Payne suffered severe injuries, including a cranial fracture, leading to internal and external bleeding that resulted in his immediate death.
Payne, who struggled with addiction and mental health issues during his time in One Direction, was reportedly exhibiting erratic behavior just before his death. Witnesses noted he had trashed his hotel room and smashed his laptop in the lobby.
Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, expressed her heartbreak over his death in a touching Instagram tribute, calling him her “angel” and stating that she would continue to love him for the rest of her life. Payne’s former One Direction bandmates — Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik — also issued a joint statement, sharing that they will “treasure the memories” they had with him and will miss him terribly.
One Direction, which formed on The X Factor in 2010, became one of the world’s most popular boy bands before disbanding in 2016.
