Buenos Aires, Argentina – Authorities have charged five individuals in connection to the tragic hotel balcony death of international music star Liam Payne. Among those facing manslaughter charges is Roger Nores, a close friend of the One Direction singer. The charges stem from Payne’s untimely death in Buenos Aires on October 16.
In addition to Nores, Esteban Grassi, a hotel receptionist, and Gilda Martin, the hotel’s head of security, have also been charged with manslaughter. Meanwhile, waiter Braian Paiz and hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra face charges related to allegedly providing drugs to Payne leading up to his death.
All five accused individuals have been summoned to appear in court as the investigation unfolds. The three facing manslaughter charges, including Nores, have been prohibited from leaving the country following the legal proceedings.
This development comes after Payne fell to his death from the balcony of his CasaSur hotel room. The singer’s autopsy revealed a combination of drugs in his system at the time, including crack and a substance known as “pink cocaine”, a mixture of ketamine and other drugs.
Nores, who was in close contact with Payne during his stay in Buenos Aires, denied allegations of abandoning his friend on the day of his death. He stated that he had been at the hotel earlier in the day and had left before the tragic incident occurred.
“I never abandoned Liam. I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened,” Nores explained in a statement. “I could have never imagined something like this would happen.”
Nores emphasized his close friendship with Payne, expressing his cooperation with the authorities during the investigation. As the legal process unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding Payne’s tragic passing.