Liam Payne’s cause of death confirmed as ‘polytrauma’ following inquest

Former One Direction star Liam Payne’s medical cause of death has been confirmed in a UK inquest, opening as 'polytrauma'.

Five people have been charged over Payne’s death after he fell from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2024.

The hotel’s manager, a receptionist and a friend of Payne have been charged with manslaughter, Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office previously said in a statement.

They are reported to be hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi and Payne’s friend Roger Nores.

Two others, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz, have been charged with supplying cocaine.

The inquest into Payne’s death in the UK has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review on November 6, the coroner’s court said.

His medical cause of death was confirmed by Dr Roberto Victor Cohen as 'polytrauma', meaning multiple traumatic injuries.

The hearing was also told Payne, who was described as a 'singer and entertainer' during the hearing, was formally identified 'with the assistance of the funeral directors in Buckinghamshire'.

Liam Payne died aged 31 in October 2024 (Andrew Chin/Getty Images)

Senior Coroner Crispin Butler said during the hearing: “Whilst there are ongoing investigations in Argentina into the circumstances of Liam’s death, over which I have no legal jurisdiction, it is anticipated that procuring the relevant information to address particularly how Liam came by his death may take some time through the formal channel of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”

A toxicology report was also carried out after Payne's untimely passing, which found that the 'For You' singer had traces of 'alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressant' in his system.

A press release from Argentinian officials stated: "The results of the toxicological studies - already communicated to his family - revealed that, in the moments before his death and in the span of at least his last 72 hours, Payne only had on his body traces of a polyconsumption of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant.

"That conclusion was reached after the complete toxicological analyzes on urine, blood and vitreous humor, carried out in a very short time."

Liam Payne pictured with friend and fellow singer, Rita Ora (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

The singer was laid to rest in a private service held in Buckinghamshire in November.

His One Director bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik were all in attendance, as well as his ex partner Cheryl Tweedy, whom he shared his seven-year-old son, Bear, with.

His former manager and The X Factor judge Simon Cowell also went to the funeral.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].

Or if you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.