The investigation into the cause of Liam Payne’s death in the UK has ended. One result is certain. The coroner’s office has announced that the former One Direction singer died of polytrauma after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Argentina (October 16, 2024).
What is polytrauma?
A Polytrauma refers to an injury in which a person sustains multiple serious injuries to different body regions or organ systems at the same time, at least one or the combination of which is life-threatening.
Typical features of polytrauma:
- Multiple injuries:
- Injuries can occur to the head, chest, abdomen, spine, pelvis, or extremities.
- Life-threatening:
- The injuries or their combination lead to an acute threat to vital functions, such as breathing, cardiovascular function or consciousness.
- Examples of typical injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (e.g. cerebral hemorrhage)
- Thoracic trauma (e.g. serial rib fractures with lung injuries)
- Abdominal trauma (e.g. ruptured spleen, liver injury)
- Fractures (e.g. pelvic fracture or long bone fractures)
According to the BBC, Chief Coroner Crispin Butler reported: “While investigations are ongoing in Argentina into the circumstances of Liam’s death, over which I have no legal jurisdiction, it is understood that obtaining the relevant information, particularly as to how Liam died “It will take some time to come through the formal channels of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”
Five people charged
So far, prosecutors have charged five people in Payne’s death. Including Braian Piaz, one of two men accused of supplying the singer with drugs. He was arrested last week. Others charged so far include Gilda Martin, the manager of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, receptionist Esteban Grassi and Payne’s friend Roger Nores, all of whom are charged with manslaughter. Hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra was also accused of supplying the singer with drugs.
Toxicology report
Alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants were found in Liam Payne’s body. Before the fall, the hotel receptionist called 911 twice and requested medical help. The first call reported that a guest was “trashing the entire room,” while the second reported concern that the guest “might be in danger.”