Five individuals face criminal charges related to the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last October, according to Argentinian authorities.
Hotel manager Gilda Martin, employee Esteban Grassi, and Payne's reported friend Roger Nores have been charged with manslaughter. Two additional hotel workers, Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, face charges for supplying drugs.
Two of the accused will be held in custody and must appear in court within 24 working hours, though their names have not been released.
The 31-year-old pop star was found dead on October 16 after falling from the third floor of the CasaSur hotel. Police discovered damaged furniture and substances in his room. Hotel staff had made emergency calls reporting a guest who had consumed excessive drugs and alcohol.
Toxicology reports revealed traces of cocaine, alcohol, and prescription antidepressants in Payne's system. The prosecutor's office indicated he likely fell while in a state of semi or total unconsciousness, ruling out any voluntary act.
The post-mortem examination determined multiple trauma and internal bleeding from the fall as the cause of death.
Payne rose to global stardom after appearing on The X Factor and joining One Direction in the 2010s. His funeral in Buckinghamshire last month was attended by his former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, along with girlfriend Kate Cassidy and former partner Cheryl, mother of his son.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his final days continues as the accused await their court appearances.