Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne, who tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Oct. 16,

Payne, 31, passed away after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel, and though the former One Direction star was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when the incident occurred, five individuals are now facing charges related to his death, as the Daily Mail reports.

A Complex Web of Accusations

The charges involve both Payne’s close associates and hotel staff. Rogelio "Roger" Nores, one of Payne's closest friends, has been accused of negligent homicide after claiming he left Payne at least 40 minutes before the fall.

Nores maintains that when he left, Payne was in good spirits and surrounded by other people in the hotel lobby. However, investigators have questioned this defense.

Braian Paiz, a hotel waiter, admitted to using drugs, including cocaine, with Payne and has been charged with supplying narcotics to him for payment. Ezequiel Pereyra, another hotel employee, faces similar charges of drug distribution, specifically for allegedly delivering cocaine to Payne inside a Dove soap box.

Two hotel managers, Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi, have been charged with manslaughter after reports surfaced that they were involved in moving Payne shortly before his fall. Grassi, who worked as the chief receptionist, reportedly encountered Payne multiple times during the night, with the singer demanding alcohol and cocaine. In a particularly concerning exchange, Grassi claimed Payne insulted hotel staff when his requests were refused.

Investigations, Toxicology Yield Details

The investigation into Payne’s death has revealed troubling details. According to toxicology reports, Payne had a combination of alcohol, cocaine, and traces of an antidepressant in his system at the time of the fall.

The presence of these substances has led police to rule out suicide, stating that Payne was likely unconscious or semi-conscious when he fell from the balcony.

Witnesses have added further complexity to the case. Bret Watson, a tourist who witnessed the fall, described the experience as traumatic, saying it was "something that's been burned into my brain and something I'm never going to forget."

Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who had spent time with him just two days before the tragedy, is cooperating fully with authorities. She has stated that anyone who supplied drugs to Payne should face legal consequences.

Hotel Staff and Role of Drugs

The investigation has pointed to the hotel as a central location in the events leading up to Payne’s death. Paiz, the waiter, has defended his actions, asserting in a TV interview that he did not provide Payne with drugs, despite admitting to using marijuana himself. "I never took drugs to him or accepted any money," Paiz said, refuting claims that he was involved in drug distribution.

Pereyra, the hotel worker accused of delivering drugs, has not publicly commented on the charges. Meanwhile, Nores also denied accusations that he abandoned Payne, asserting in a documentary that he left the hotel with a clear conscience and had not noticed anything unusual about Payne’s condition.

Tragic End to Star's Life

Payne, who was well-known for his career with One Direction, leaves behind a young son, Bear, whom he had with singer Cheryl Cole. His untimely death has shocked fans worldwide, and many have expressed their grief and concern over the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Cassidy has stated that she intends to fully cooperate with investigators, emphasizing her desire for justice in this tragic case. "She’s going to help in any way she can, she wants the right people to be brought to justice," a source close to Cassidy said.

The Continuing Investigation

The charges against Nores, Paiz, Pereyra, Martín, and Grassi are the result of an ongoing investigation. While only Paiz and Pereyra are currently in custody, all five suspects have been summoned to court for further proceedings. The investigation continues to focus on the role of drugs in Payne’s death, with police closely examining the alleged drug distribution and Payne's interactions with the hotel staff in the hours before his fall.

Authorities are also reviewing text messages and other evidence related to Payne’s final moments, including claims he offered $5,000 to an escort to "party." These details have raised concerns about Payne’s mental and physical state leading up to his tragic death.

Family and Public Reaction

As the investigation unfolds, Payne’s family, friends, and fans are left to grapple with the loss of the beloved singer. The tragedy has raised significant questions about the role of drugs, alcohol, and mental health in Payne's final hours. His death is now at the center of a legal battle that may take months or even years to resolve.

Though the specifics of Payne’s death remain under investigation, the charges against the five individuals involved point to a complex set of circumstances that led to the singer’s tragic fall. With further legal proceedings expected, the case continues to draw attention, not only due to Payne's fame but also due to the serious nature of the charges and the ongoing discussions around mental health and drug use.