Argentinian waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz was arrested on January 3, 2025, in connection with the death of singer Liam Payne, who tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. Authorities charged Paiz with allegedly selling cocaine to Payne just hours before his death. The Argentine National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office filed the charges, with Paiz potentially facing a prison sentence of 4 to 15 years.
Reports from the investigation revealed that Payne’s system contained traces of alcohol, pink cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant, which contributed to his death due to a combination of these substances. While Paiz admits to using drugs with Payne, he denies providing the singer with any drugs, emphasizing that he is a lifelong fan of Payne and One Direction.
In a defense interview, Paiz’s lawyer, Fernando Madeo Facente, stated that the two men shared friendly conversations during their meeting at the restaurant where Paiz worked, discussing various topics and expressing a mutual respect for one another. Facente also revealed that the two had spoken about having a more private encounter later.
Meanwhile, five other individuals, including hotel staff and a friend of Payne’s, have been charged with manslaughter for allegedly neglecting to assist Payne when he was in a vulnerable state prior to his fatal fall.
Liam Payne’s unexpected passing sent shockwaves across the globe, with fans and family deeply mourning his loss. His funeral on November 20, 2024, was attended by his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and former bandmates from One Direction, including Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan.