Liam Payne Likely Procured Drugs from a Hotel Employee Before Death, Indictment Could Follow: Source (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Liam Payne in January 2023.Photo:Jeff Spicer/Getty

Jeff Spicer/Getty

It’s likelyLiam Paynewas using substances in the time leading up to his death.

“There appears to be evidence that a hotel employee sourced the drugs for Payne,” the source says. “An indictment for drugs distribution could follow shortly.”

Liam Payne in December 2022.Mike Marsland/WireImage

Mike Marsland/WireImage

In a public statement translated from Spanish, the prosecutor has said that he is keeping all avenues of investigation open, including foul play, and, in particular, looking into who supplied Payne the drugs in the hours leading up to his death, that were purportedly found in his hotel room. The investigation also aims to determine the potential involvement of third parties leading up to Payne’s death.

Multiple other sources previously told PEOPLE that Payne was asked to leave another hotel, the Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, after appearing intoxicated and bothering other guests. The hotel had no comment on the matter.

Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, previouslytold PEOPLEthe musician “jumped from the balcony” of his hotel room.

A preliminary autopsy reportrevealed Payne died from multiple injuries and “internal and external” hemorrhages after the fall, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE.

Liam Payne in November 2017.Kevin Mazur/Gett

Kevin Mazur/Gett

Liam Payne in October 2019.Katja Ogrin/Getty

Katja Ogrin/Getty

Law enforcement investigated his room on Oct. 17 and found prescription drug clonazepam (brand name: Klonopin), energy supplements and other over-the-counter drugs scattered throughout the space, along with “various items broken.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com