British singer Liam Payne, formerly of One Direction, was reportedly targeted by drug dealers in Buenos Aires, leading to a tragic turn in his battle against addiction. A close friend revealed that the 31-year-old had recently achieved sobriety while living in the U.S. but fell back into despair after being preyed upon by drug dealers at a hotel.
For years, Payne had struggled with mental health issues and had sought treatment for substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs. He had been working with a new psychiatrist in Miami and was hopeful about starting a fresh chapter in his life with girlfriend Kate Cassidy. However, during a trip to Argentina to renew his U.S. visa, he became a target for those looking to exploit his vulnerable state.
Initial toxicology reports suggest that Payne was exposed to cocaine prior to his death. A friend stated, “Liam had been clean for weeks,” emphasizing the efforts he had made to recover. Despite passing medical examinations indicating he was sober, he was allegedly provided drugs shortly after checking into the Casa Sur Hotel.
Authorities are investigating hotel staff suspected of supplying drugs to Payne in the days leading up to the incident. Reports indicate that a cocktail of narcotics, including 'pink cocaine'—a mix of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA—was found in his hotel suite, alongside crack cocaine and benzodiazepines.
Payne tragically died after falling from the balcony of his third-floor suite, with a post-mortem confirming that his injuries were consistent with such a fall. Argentine authorities are treating his death as 'inconclusive' while awaiting further toxicology results, which are expected to take several weeks.
Investigators are also looking into a taxi booked in Payne's name that was sent to a poverty-stricken neighborhood, potentially linked to a supplier. Reports indicate that hotel staff may have been involved in smuggling drugs into his room.