A pre-inquest review into Liam Payne’s tragic death has taken place today, as a string of unanswered questions surround his death.
The pre-inquest review happened at Buckinghamshire Coroners Court, months after Liam’s cause of death was confirmed by the court as polytrauma, a term used when multiple traumatic injuries were sustained to a person’s body or organs.
What do we know about Liam’s death?
Liam died at the age of 31 on October 16, 2024. He died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Shortly before his death, a panicked hotel worker called the police over concerns over Liam’s ‘erratic’ behaviour.
Liam was in Argentina to support his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan at his concert. His trip in Argentina was then extended as he awaited his renewed US visa and the process took longer than expected.
He had jetted out to the country with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who then flew home while Liam stayed. Kate had previously said she was “ready to leave” and wanted to return to Florida to look after their dog.
Five people were charged in relation to Liam’s death. The hotel’s manager, Gilda Martin, and its receptionist, Esteban Grassi, as well as Payne’s friend Roger Nores have been charged with manslaughter, Argentina’s prosecutor’s office says. Ezequiel Pereyra – who also worked at the hotel – and Braian Paiz, a waiter, have been charged with supplying drugs.
Fans send heartbreaking messages to Liam
As the inquest took place today, which was the day after fans marked the 55th Wednesday since Liam’s death by streaming his single Sunshine, others took to social media to share heartbreaking tributes to the star.
All the unanswered questions
As officials in Argentina continue the investigation, it’s understood authorities are still working their way through 800 hours of CCTV footage as well as mobile phones and laptops.
Coroner has received initial documentation
The coroner has been forwarded initial documentation relating to the autopsy conducted in Argentina and an initial police scene report, Senior Coroner Crispin Butler said.
Inquest is adjourned again
In today’s three minute-long hearing, the inquest was adjourned for a further pre-inquest review, which will take place on May 7, 2026.
Senior Coroner asks for full reports on ‘where and how’ Liam Payne died
Senior Coroner Crispin Butler said: “We will continue to liaise with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to seek to procure full reports, eyewitness statements and other relevant evidence to assess in due course to address the statutory questions at a final inquest… namely who the deceased was, a final medical cause of death, when, where and how he came by his death.”
Full reports and eyewitness statements needed
A coroner will seek full reports and eyewitness statements before a final inquest into the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, a pre-inquest review heard.
Coroner to seek a full report before final inquest
A coroner will seek a full report and eyewitness statements before a final inquest will take place, the pre-inquest review heard.
Senior Coroner Crispin Butler told the Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court today that there were continuing investigations in Argentina and that a coroner would be looking to get a full report from this.
He said: “We will continue to liaise with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to seek to procure full reports, eyewitness statements and other relevant evidence to assess in due course to address the statutory questions at a final inquest… namely who the deceased was, a final medical cause of death, when, where and how he came by his death.”
What are the investigations in Argentina?
In December last year, five people were charged in connection with Liam’s death, the Argentinian authorities announced.
The hotel’s manager, Gilda Martin, and its receptionist, Esteban Grassi, as well as Payne’s friend Roger Nores have been charged with manslaughter, Argentina’s prosecutor’s office says. Ezequiel Pereyra – who also worked at the hotel – and Braian Paiz, a waiter, have been charged with supplying drugs.
