The funeral for Liam Payne, a 31-year-old former member of the popular boy band One Direction, is expected to take place next month as investigations into his tragic death in Argentina continue. Fans of the late Payne have been holding impromptu vigils to honor the singer, who leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear.
Liam was killed by his injuries when he fell from the third floor of a balcony of the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires. Authorities from Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office say no suspects are being pursued in relation to his death. Authorities suspect Liam might have fallen while in a state of “semi or total unconsciousness” because of drugs and alcohol reportedly found in his hotel room.
Liam’s parents, Karen and Geoff Payne have flown to Argentina to identify their son’s body and are now working on his repatriation to the UK. But the family may face a delay of up to 15 days until toxicology tests are complete, with preliminary reports seemingly showing that he had several substances in his system at the time of his death, including crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Prosecutors have said that they believe he may have suffered a breakdown because of the use of substances, supported by his reported erratic behavior in the hotel lobby just minutes prior to falling.
Initial autopsy results showed Liam died of internal and external bleeding as the result of “multiple traumas” from the fall. In a statement, prosecutors said the head injuries alone could have killed him while internal bleeding in chest and abdomen and limbs contributed to the cause of death.
Although complete autopsy results are still pending, for now Liam’s death has been ruled “inconclusive” as investigators continue to follow leads-including statements from two women seen with him before his fall and interviews with hotel staff. Authorities are also working to track down the person responsible for providing Liam with the drugs found in his system.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Liam is expected to be repatriated to the UK in a matter of days with the British Embassy assisting his family. The funeral will probably take place early in November when family and fans in his hometown of Wolverhampton will say their goodbyes.
