Argentina, Nov 08, (V7N) - Three people have been charged in connection with the tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last month. The charges, announced Thursday by local authorities, stem from an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 31-year-old’s death.

Payne’s fall from a third-floor balcony on October 16 raised questions about whether it was an accident or something more sinister. After weeks of investigation, which included reviewing hours of security footage, analyzing cell phone data, and conducting toxicology tests, Argentine authorities have now identified three individuals who are facing criminal charges.

According to Prosecutor Andrés Esteban Madrea, one of the suspects is a person who had been with Payne regularly during his time in Buenos Aires. A hotel employee is accused of supplying the singer with cocaine during his stay, while a third individual allegedly provided drugs to Payne just two days before his death. The charges include abandonment of a person after death and the supply of narcotics.

The investigation ruled out foul play, with authorities stating that Payne’s fall was likely due to a state of unconsciousness. Toxicology results found traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in Payne's system at the time of his death. Despite the circumstances, investigators have not found evidence to suggest that Payne's fall was anything other than accidental.

Liam Payne, who rose to global fame as a member of the pop group One Direction, is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear, his parents, and his two sisters. Payne’s family, including his father Geoff, who flew to Argentina after the singer’s death, have been informed of the investigation's findings. The news of the charges brings new attention to the role drugs may have played in Payne's untimely passing.

The investigation remains ongoing, but the focus on drug use highlights the potential dangers that may have contributed to Payne’s fall.

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