Former One Direction singer Liam Payne had multiple drugs, including crack cocaine and methamphetamine, in his system when he died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, according to anonymous sources familiar with preliminary toxicology reports.
The 31-year-old British singer died last week after plunging from a third-floor hotel room. ABC News and TMZ reported that a cocktail of drugs known as 'pink cocaine'—containing methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA—was found during a partial autopsy, along with crack cocaine and benzodiazepine. Both outlets cited anonymous sources familiar with the preliminary tests.
An anonymous official told the Associated Press that the preliminary toxicology report suggested evidence of exposure to cocaine, but stressed that these initial results do not offer an accurate reading of the amount in his blood at the time of death. The final toxicology results are not expected for several weeks.
Argentinian investigators found what appeared to be narcotics and alcohol strewn about broken objects and furniture in Payne's hotel room, leading prosecutors to surmise he had suffered a substance abuse-induced breakdown around the time of his fall. The prosecution said Payne could have plunged from his balcony in a state of 'semi or total unconsciousness'.
Police are investigating who sold Payne the drugs. They have taken statements from at least three hotel employees and two women who visited his room hours before his death. Payne's father, Geoff Payne, remains in Buenos Aires to organise the repatriation of his son's remains, with authorities expected to release the body next week.
