Liam Payne's final hours have come under renewed scrutiny following new witness statements. The reports detail what happened inside his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before his tragic death.
Two women who spent time with the former One Direction star on the day he died shared sworn statements describing a chaotic and emotional series of events. The accounts provide a closer look at Payne's last day at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, including claims of a dispute over payment, a damaged Rolex watch, a broken television and emotional moments where he spoke about his son.
Payne died at the age of 31 on 16 October 2024 after falling from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room.
Chaotic Moments Inside Hotel Room
According to the Daily Mail, witnesses Aldana Serrano and Lucila Goitea told investigators they met Payne after he contacted one of them through an Argentine escort website. They said the singer invited them to his hotel room, where he reportedly spent several hours with them before the situation became increasingly unsettled.
The women's statements described Payne as emotionally fragile during their time together. They claimed the hotel room was in a chaotic state, with alcohol and drug-related items present, while Payne drank whisky and appeared to be struggling with his emotions.
One of the most striking details from the witness accounts involved Payne's gold Rolex, which had reportedly been seen on him earlier during his trip. The women claimed that when they asked for the payment they had discussed, Payne offered the luxury watch instead. They said he later smashed the Rolex, telling them he could replace it.
The witnesses also alleged that Payne punched the hotel television during the confrontation. They described him as becoming upset before later apologising and asking them to stay.
According to their statements, Payne also spoke about his son Bear and said that money was not what made him happy.
The women claimed Payne also sang some of his own songs during their time in the room, showing them music he had been working on before his mood reportedly changed. They left the hotel shortly before 4pm, approximately an hour before Payne's fatal fall at 5pm.
How Did Liam Payne Die?
Liam Payne died after falling around 46 feet from the balcony of his room at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but the singer was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the fall.
Toxicology reports later found cocaine, alcohol and clonazepam — a prescription sedative — in his system. Investigators have been working to understand the events that led to his death, including how substances allegedly came into his possession.
The investigation in Argentina remains ongoing, with two men reportedly facing charges linked to the alleged supply of drugs. Both have denied the allegations.
Before his death, Payne had travelled to Argentina to renew his US visa and attend a concert by his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan. His girlfriend Kate Cassidy had been with him for part of the trip before returning home shortly before his death.
Authorities have continued reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements as they piece together Payne's final movements inside the hotel. Reports suggest investigators believe he may have been severely impaired at the time of his fall.
Rise From Boy Band Fame
Long before the headlines surrounding his death, Liam Payne was known around the world as one of the voices behind One Direction. The group, formed on The X Factor in 2010, became one of the biggest pop acts of the decade, creating global hits such as 'What Makes You Beautiful', 'Story of My Life' and 'Night Changes'.
After the band went on hiatus in 2016, Payne built a solo career and released his debut album LP1 in 2019. Away from music, he was also a devoted father to his son Bear, whom he shared with singer Cheryl.
Throughout his career, Payne was open about the pressures of fame, his personal struggles and his journey with addiction and mental health. His death sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians and former bandmates who remembered his talent, humour and contribution to pop music.
While questions around his final moments remain part of an ongoing investigation, Payne's impact on music is undeniable. From his rise as a One Direction member to his solo ambitions and role as a father, he leaves behind a legacy that continues to be remembered by millions around the world.
