Authorities continue to probe the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who died on October 16 after falling from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, has reportedly agreed to cooperate with the investigation as witnesses come under scrutiny.
Kate Cassidy, who was with Payne shortly before his untimely death, is set to face questioning by Argentine authorities. According to sources, Cassidy is determined to assist the police to bring the right individuals to justice, telling The New York Post: "She's going to help in any way she can, she wants the right people to be brought to justice, and if it takes her answering their questions, she's going to do it." The 25-year-old influencer is not considered a suspect but reportedly aims to provide valuable insights about Payne's last moments.
The investigation centers on Payne's fall, which was attributed to "multiple traumatic injuries," leading to "internal and external hemorrhage." Initial toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants, indicating Payne may have been under the influence at the time of his death.
Significantly, authorities are interested in interviewing three individuals connected to the case. One of those, Roger Nores, is a close friend of Payne's who has declined to cooperate with investigators, claiming he did not abandon Payne leading up to the incident. Nores, who featured in a recent TMZ documentary about the singer, insists he was with him earlier on the day of the fall and remarked, "I never abandoned Liam, I went to his hotel three times... I could have never imagined something like this would happen." This assertion contrasts troubling accounts of Payne's behavior before his death.
Meanwhile, the two remaining individuals, Braian Nahuel Paiz, alleged to have dealt drugs, and Ezequiel David Pereyra, a former hotel employee, invoked their right to remain silent during their Zoom hearing before Judge Laura Bruniard. Both were reluctant to share pertinent details about their potential involvement, bringing forth questions about accountability with respect to Payne's condition leading up to the fateful incident.
Reports suggest Payne had been experiencing distress before the fall, possibly linked to drug use and mental health challenges. Sources state he might have been attempting to escape the hotel room when he fell, highlighting the tragic desperation of the situation.
On November 7, the Argentinian National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office released findings of the toxicology tests, confirming traces of substances were found within Payne's system. The press statement noted: "This conclusion was reached after the complete toxicology tests on urine, blood and vitreous humor." Witness statements and interviews conducted since his death will be integral to determining the circumstances surrounding his fall.
Cassidy reportedly has struggled with the emotional burden of the events leading to Payne's death, expressing she had attempted to assist him with his challenges before their trip to Argentina. Sources claim she is deeply affected by the tragedy and urges for accountability, stating plainly, "Anyone who provided drugs to Liam should be prosecuted."
Local police also plan to interrogate Esteban Grassi, the hotel’s chief receptionist, and Gilda Martin, head of security, as the investigation continues.
The mood surrounding the investigation is one of tension and urgency. With multiple individuals close to Payne refusing to speak directly to the police, the authorities remain dedicated to unraveling the truth behind the events leading to Payne's death. The situation weighs heavily on Cassidy, who expressed her sorrow and reiterated the importance of bringing any involved parties to justice.
Despite the emotional chaos surrounding the case, investigators remain committed to piecing together the timeline from the lead-up to Payne's death. By gathering testimonies, analyzing evidence, and examining the relationships between the individuals involved, police hope to shed light on this heartbreaking incident.
Insights from Kate Cassidy, paired with other witness statements, could be pivotal for those seeking answers. The case's delicate nature emphasizes the need for thoroughness and compassion as it uncovers the truth about Liam Payne's final days.