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Liam Payne’s cause of death confirmed in UK inquest three months after fatal fall

Liam Payne’s cause of death has been confirmed in a UK inquest into his tragic passing three months ago.

Liam Payne was trying to 'escape' his hotel before death

Liam Payne’s cause of death has been confirmed in the opening of a UK inquest into his tragic passing.

It comes after the One Direction star suffered “multiple traumas” in a fall from the balcony at the luxury Buenos Aires hotel he was staying at in October.

His medical cause of death was confirmed by Dr Roberto Victor Cohen as “polytrauma” – meaning multiple traumatic injuries.

Liam Payne’s cause of death has been confirmed following a UK inquest. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Liam Payne’s cause of death has been confirmed following a UK inquest. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

MORE: Fortune left behind by One Direction star Liam Payne revealed

The hearing was held in Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court on December 17.

It was told it may take “some time” to formally confirm how the 31-year-old died.

The inquest into Liam’s death in the UK has now been adjourned until a pre-inquest review on November 6, the coroner’s court said.

Five people have been charged over Liam’s death after he fell from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.

The One Direction star fell to his death from the third floor balcony of his hotel suite in Argentina on December 16. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
The One Direction star fell to his death from the third floor balcony of his hotel suite in Argentina on December 16. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

The hotel’s manager, a receptionist and a friend of Payne have been charged with manslaughter, Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office previously said in a statement.

They are reported to be hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi and Liam’s friend Roger Nores.

Payne and girlfriend Kate Cassidy (right) with Roger Nores (left) and his girlfriend in the days before Payne’s death. Picture: Snapchat
Payne and girlfriend Kate Cassidy (right) with Roger Nores (left) and his girlfriend in the days before Payne’s death. Picture: Snapchat

Two others, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz, have been charged with supplying cocaine.

Paiz was been arrested by cops after the judge gave him 24 hours to hand himself in - with the Argentinian being found at home.

Pereyra handed himself into cops after he initially went on the run and dodged police turning up to his house to arrest him.

Paiz’s lawyer, Fernando Madeo, earlier insisted his client has been the victim of a “witch hunt” as officials desperately try to find answers over the One Direction star’s death.

Paiz is accused of handing the troubled pop star cocaine on two separate occasions on October 14.

He previously admitted to taking drugs with the star but has insisted he was not a dealer.

Hotel employee Braian Paiz was among the five charged with Payne’s death. Picture: Instagram
Hotel employee Braian Paiz was among the five charged with Payne’s death. Picture: Instagram

Lawyer Madeo said: “They want to look for culprits at any price, violating constitutional rights and guarantees and forming a ‘truth’ which turns out to be false as is the case here.

“Accusing innocent people of crimes they haven’t committed.”

Judge Laura Bruniard said that just before 5pm, Liam was “unable to look after himself” and had “clearly fainted” in the hotel lobby.

Supplied CCTV of Liam Payne being carried through the hotel lobby before his death.
Supplied CCTV of Liam Payne being carried through the hotel lobby before his death.

The judge also concluded Liam fell to his death after trying to climb over his balcony, appearing to support claims he was trying to escape his room because he didn’t want to be there.

Liam’s manager, as well as the manager of the hotel and its head of reception, have now been charged with negligent homicide - similar to manslaughter in the UK.

He was in the Argentinian capital for pal Niall Horan’s tour when he died.

Crowds of devastated fans flocked to the hotel pay their respects to their idol.

Payne was in Argentina with his girlfriend Cassidy, who left to return home to the US three days before his death.
Payne was in Argentina with his girlfriend Cassidy, who left to return home to the US three days before his death.

It comes as the grieving Payne family say they are pleading for “justice” after the charges were brought.

A friend of the family told The Sun: “It’s been a very difficult Christmas for them but they now just want justice for their son.

“Finally, after a horrific couple of months, there is a feeling like this could be possible.”

Liam had been in the South American country with girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25.

She returned to the US three days before Liam died.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Liam Payne’s cause of death confirmed in UK inquest three months after fatal fall

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/liam-paynes-cause-of-death-confirmed-in-uk-inquest-three-months-after-fatal-fall/news-story/7f1e476887cd2af3208468887e60cd0e