The manslaughter charges against Roger Nores, a close friend of One Direction star Liam Payne, along with two hotel workers, have been dropped following Payne’s tragic death in Buenos Aires in October 2024.
Liam Payne’s Tragic Death
Liam Payne, the 31-year-old former One Direction member, died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. The incident has captivated fans worldwide, with many questioning the circumstances leading to Payne’s untimely passing.
Charges Against Roger Nores and Hotel Workers
Initially, Roger Nores, the hotel operator Gilda Martin, and head of reception Esteban Grassi were charged in connection with Payne’s death. Additionally, hotel employees Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz were charged for allegedly supplying cocaine to the singer.
However, in a significant development, all charges were recently dropped, and Nores expressed relief over the legal outcome. “Glad this is finally over,” Nores said in an interview with Rolling Stone. “I’m happy I’m now going to be able to travel to the UK and say goodbye to my friend.”
Payne’s Last Moments
According to court documents, Liam Payne was involved in a heated argument with two women in the hotel lobby shortly before his fall at around 5:10 pm. The cause of death was determined to be “polytrauma,” meaning multiple injuries from the fall. Authorities also found traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his death.
The Months Leading to Payne’s Death
Before his death, Roger Nores shared that Payne had been struggling with addiction issues. Nores revealed that in the months leading up to the tragedy, Payne was briefly “sectioned” for treatment. “Originally, they tried to have him sectioned for 90 days,” Nores said. “That ended up getting cut down to 30 days. But Liam talked his way out after just three.”
After his release, Nores took it upon himself to set Payne up with medical professionals to address his ongoing struggles with addiction. “He knew he needed help,” Nores explained. “He did four months sober. Liam then began to go to the gym every day. He was really looking after himself.”
Despite the challenges, Nores emphasized that the effort was worth it. “It wasn’t easy. He required 24-hour attention. Anyone who’s looked after an addict knows that it isn’t straightforward. It was draining, but I wanted to do it – that’s what friends are for,” he said. “After four months, I truly believed he had turned a corner.”
Looking Ahead
With the charges now dropped, Nores expressed his intention to visit the UK to mourn his late friend. This case has stirred deep emotions for those close to Payne and has raised questions about the pressures of fame, mental health, and addiction struggles.
As the legal chapter comes to a close, Liam Payne’s fans and those who knew him personally continue to reflect on his legacy and the battles he fought in private.
