Liam Payne cops storm Buenos Aires hotel hunting for ‘drug dealer staff’ after One Direction star’s tragic death
Cops are also looking for more CCTV footage
THE hotel where pop star Liam Payne died has been stormed by cops as they seek information on alleged drug dealing staff.
The One Direction singer, 31, died in the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires after tragically falling from the third floor last week.
Now cops are raiding the hotel looking for information on alleged drug dealing staff who sold to Liam what he is believed to have consumed before he died.
Officers were seen going through documents and examining computers in the hotel lobby.
Police believe Liam was smuggled drugs hidden in a Dove soap box and were last week said to be probing two hotel staff including a cleaner.
Prosecutors said last week in a statement they believe Liam was “in a state of semi or total unconsciousness” during a substance-induced episode when he fell.
Investigators have indicated they do not suspect any “third-party” involvement but have made it clear the hunt is still on for a possible dealer.
They want more CCTV footage around the time of his death as they also search phones, computers, and other devices collected.
Cops said Tuesday they were trying to piece together the singer’s last hours and were speaking to people at the hotel.
Liam was on holiday in Buenos Aires for his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s tour with emergency services saying he died instantly in the fall.
He told one fan just an hour before his death that he loved Buenos Aires so much he wanted to buy a house there.
Girlfriend Kate Cassidy has also revealed the pair planned to marry next year in a touching tribute to Liam.
The influencer, who dated the singer for two years before his death, shared new photos of the couple on Instagram which included a note from Liam.
Kate had been on holiday with Liam in the South American country but returned home to the US two days earlier.
Another one of the last people to see Liam alive said they witnessed his erratic behaviour around 4.30pm.
According to reports, Liam had smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room following an erratic incident earlier in the day.
An insider has said Liam was trying to get clean and had been given an all-clear on a drugs test before his death.
They said: “Liam had tried really hard to get clean, then he’s been preyed upon.
“These people just care about money – they don’t care about putting people’s lives in danger.
“It’s an evil trade. This is all just tragic.”
In Snapchat posts shared shortly before his death, but seemingly filmed days earlier, he spoke about about riding horses, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
“It’s a lovely day here in Argentina,” he declared in one.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer's death circulated across the world.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family &; loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
But at some point, things took a tragic turn and the hotel’s reception manager frantically called cops telling them that Liam was under the influence of drink and drugs and had trashed his room.
The receptionist called emergency services saying: “We have a guest who is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
Liam’s sister Lottie, a 26-year-old make-up artist and influencer has paid tribute to her brother, sharing a reel to her social media.
She said: “Home with a heavy heart. RIP Liam. You were loved by so many and will be so greatly missed. Sending so much love to everyone.”
One Direction statements in full
We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
