Argentine authorities have made significant strides in the investigation of the tragic death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction member, by arresting Braian Paiz, 24, who is accused of supplying drugs to the singer before his fatal fall.
On January 3, Paiz was apprehended at his home after failing to comply with a preventive detention order issued by the court following the revelations surrounding Payne's death, which occurred on October 16, 2022, at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Payne’s fall from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room raised numerous questions, particularly about the circumstances leading to his death and the involvement of those around him during his final hours. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding, with toxicology results showing traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants.
According to reports from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Paiz, formerly employed as a waiter at the hotel, allegedly met Payne at the venue where he worked. Prosecutors suggest this encounter spiraled out of control, claiming Paiz and another unnamed hotel employee supplied cocaine to Payne multiple times during his visit. Documents reveal both men sought monetary gain under the guise of friendship.
Judge Laura Bruniard, overseeing the case, has pointed to serious lapses by hotel management. It was reported by local authorities and later confirmed by accompanying evidence, including surveillance footage, showing Payne being escorted back to his room by hotel staff, seemingly intoxicated and unable to care for himself.
Bruniard stated, "The way he was being handled shows a state of vulnerability." This oversight by the hotel's personnel came before Payne tragically fell from the balcony, leading to heated discussions about duty of care and the negligence displayed by the hotel’s staff as they witnessed the singer’s intoxicated state.
Paiz’s lawyer, Fernando Madeo Facente, asserts his client has been unfairly targeted, claiming the investigation has devolved to what he termed as 'a witch hunt' against individuals the authorities sought to blame for Payne’s death. He contends, "They want to look for culprits at any price, violating constitutional rights and guarantees." According to him, Paiz neither sold drugs to Payne nor directly caused his demise, highlighting the failure of hotel staff to prevent the singer from harm.
The arrest is only part of the broader investigation which has so far seen five individuals, including hotel managers and Payne’s associates, facing charges ranging from drug supply to manslaughter. The fallout from these events, marked by allegations against prominent local figures and the overarching scrutiny of the hotel practices, has drawn significant media attention.
Among those charged, hotel managers are accused of watching Payne struggle and choosing not to intervene effectively. The prosecutors emphasized the fact these managers facilitated Payne’s return to his third-floor room which had precarious balcony access at a time when it was evident he was under the influence and incapable of caring for himself.
Prosecutors have dismissed any notion of suicide. Instead, experts and investigators indicated the evidence pointed to the likelihood of Payne being unconscious at the time of the fall, with the singer having demonstrated no reflex to protect himself.
Adding complexity to this already tragic scenario, Roger Nores, identified as one of Payne’s friends, has also found himself embroiled in controversy over his actions the day of the incident. He has vehemently denied any allegations of negligence, attributing his departure from the hotel as merely prudent, with discussions hinting he had left before Payne’s fatal incident occurred.
Nores proclaimed, "I never abandoned Liam, I went to his hotel three times... There were over 15 people at the hotel lobby chatting and joking with him when I left," reflecting his stance against allegations of negligence and wrongdoing.
The aftermath of Payne’s untimely death continues to echo through both the Argentine community and his legions of fans worldwide. Beyond legal ramifications for those accused, there remains the emotional toll of this loss—one compounded by questions of responsibility and accountability.
Discussions around drug use, responsibility of care, and the ethics of hospitality service tied closely to the case raise broader societal questions about how similar situations should be managed to prevent future tragedies.
The event serves as both somber reminder and cautionary tale, as legal proceedings continue and as Payne’s legacy—one marked by tremendous talent and beloved worldwide—underscores the importance of care and compassion for individuals battling addiction.