Liam Payne’s death has officially been confirmed as a result of polytrauma following a fall from a third-story hotel balcony in Argentina on October 16. A U.K. inquest recently corroborated previous reports from Argentinian authorities, which pointed to multiple severe injuries and extensive hemorrhaging, both internal and external, as the cause of death.
Polytrauma refers to a condition where multiple serious injuries affect several organs or systems in the body, potentially leading to traumatic shock or significant life-threatening consequences. According to the National Institutes of Health, this type of trauma poses a serious risk to life, often endangering vital functions due to the severity of the injuries.
In a December 17 hearing at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court, Senior Coroner Crispin Butler acknowledged that further investigation is necessary to clarify the exact circumstances surrounding Payne’s death, as inquiries are still ongoing in Argentina. These investigations are being coordinated through official channels, including the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
Payne’s body was returned to the U.K., where his funeral took place, attended by his One Direction bandmates, family, and close friends. The final autopsy report from Argentina revealed the presence of alcohol, pink cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in Payne’s system at the time of his death.
In connection with the tragic event, five individuals have been arrested, including hotel staff members and two men accused of supplying drugs to Payne. Liam Payne leaves behind his family and his son, Bear, whom he shared with his ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.