A coroner investigating the death of Liam Payne has shared new documents from the Argentinian police with the One Direction star's family. Senior coroner for Buckinghamshire Crispin Butler told the hearing today he is waiting for full reports and eyewitness statements before a full inquest can be held. He added there had been no further updates since a pre-inquest review was held in January last year.
Details of the Case
Payne died at the age of 31 in October 2024 after he plunged from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires following a drink-drug binge. Mr Butler said today: 'Since the last pre-inquest review, we have had no further disclosure of evidence from Argentina via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. My understanding is the investigations are continuing and I await further developments.' Documentation received prior to this pre-inquest hearing have undergone a process of translation, he added.
The coroner also said he would share the relevant documents with Payne's family, who did not attend the brief hearing at Beaconsfield Coroner's Court today. A post mortem examination previously found that Payne died from 'polytrauma' or multiple traumatic injuries.
Public Reaction and Legal Proceedings
His sudden death sparked an outpouring of grief and vigils were held across the world. Dozens of fans also gathered outside the hotel, where a shrine was set up to remember the singer. Meanwhile, mourners also paid tribute to the late star in his home city of Wolverhampton.
In February last year, a court in Argentina dropped charges of criminal negligence against three of the five people who had been charged in connection with Payne's death. The hotel's manager, a receptionist and a friend of Payne had been accused of manslaughter. Two other people were also charged over the supply of drugs.
Background on Liam Payne
Payne was one of five members of hit boyband One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan. The band were formed on Simon Cowell's The X Factor before becoming an international sensation. They split in 2016 after Zayn decided to leave One Direction and pursue a solo career.
Payne struggled with drink and drugs after the split, but successfully became sober at a rehab clinic in 2023. However by the night of his death he had relapsed and consumed alcohol and drugs, reports suggest. He was seen hanging around the hotel lobby, smashing up his laptop and introducing himself to fans in the hours before his death. He was eventually taken up to his hotel room by three people but is thought to have accidentally fallen after becoming unconscious.
The inquest into his death was adjourned until a further pre-inquest review on December 1.
