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29 Apr 2025, Tue

friend’s charges dropped in Argentina probe

Liam Payne


The death of Liam Payne, former One Direction star, at age 31 on October 16, 2024, after a fall from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, continues to resonate with fans and loved ones, but a recent development has brought partial relief to his family. On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Payne family issued their first public statement since the tragedy, addressing the dismissal of charges against Roger Nores, a friend who was with Liam during the Argentina trip, and reflecting on the toll of relentless media scrutiny on their grieving process. The decision, handed down by Argentina’s Court of Appeals in February, cleared Nores and two hotel staff members, Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi, of manslaughter charges, closing a chapter of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death. However, two other suspects remain under scrutiny for allegedly supplying narcotics, keeping parts of the case unresolved. The family’s statement followed an emotional tribute to Liam at the BRIT Awards on March 1, reigniting memories of his musical legacy and sparking global conversations about his life and loss.

Liam Payne’s fatal fall stunned the world, occurring in the upscale Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires after he attended Niall Horan’s concert on October 2, 2024, alongside other activities in the city. Preliminary autopsy reports cited multiple traumas with internal and external hemorrhaging as the cause of death, stemming from a 13-meter drop, while toxicology tests revealed alcohol and substances in his system. The family, previously silent, emphasized in their statement the pain of navigating this loss under public scrutiny, particularly for Bear, Liam’s seven-year-old son with Cheryl Cole, who now faces a highly publicized childhood without his father. The dropping of charges against Nores, once suspected of negligence, offered some solace, though the family pleaded for privacy amid ongoing speculation that has lingered since last October.

Across Brazil and beyond, Liam’s passing galvanized millions of fans who followed his journey from One Direction’s formation on The X Factor in 2010 to his solo career launch in 2016. The family’s message not only underscored their need to shield Bear and grieve privately but also honored Liam’s indelible mark on music, celebrated during the BRIT Awards tribute with a video montage of his career highlights. As Argentine authorities continue probing the drug-related aspects of the case, the family’s words signal a turning point, balancing closure on one front with a call for peace amid an ordeal that remains far from fully resolved.

BRIT Awards tribute: Liam Payne honored in London

March 1, 2025, etched itself into fans’ hearts as a night of remembrance for Liam Payne at the BRIT Awards, held at London’s O2 Arena. The prestigious music event paid tribute to the late singer with a poignant video showcasing his life’s milestones: from family moments and The X Factor auditions in 2008 and 2010 to his One Direction heyday and solo hits like “Strip That Down,” which has amassed over 1 billion Spotify streams since its 2017 release. The tribute moved attendees and viewers worldwide, reaffirming Liam’s lasting influence on British music.

In their March 2 statement, the Payne family expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that Liam was celebrated for his “phenomenal contribution to British music” and the joy he brought to millions globally. The ceremony, which also honored artists like Dua Lipa and Raye, paused to reflect on Payne’s legacy, a testament to his 70 million record sales with One Direction and his solo achievements. The presence of former bandmates Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson backstage added a layer of nostalgia, tying the event to the group’s monumental run before its 2016 hiatus following Zayn Malik’s departure.

Media spotlight: the burden on the Payne family

Since Liam Payne’s death on October 16, 2024, his family has endured relentless media coverage, a struggle they detailed in their March 2 statement as causing “indescribable and lasting damage,” particularly to Bear, now seven. The tragedy dominated headlines worldwide, with reports delving into the chaotic scene at the CasaSur Palermo—scattered alcohol, medications, and a white powder—alongside an investigation that initially charged five individuals with potential crimes linked to the incident. The constant attention has compounded the family’s grief, thrusting Bear into a spotlight they are desperate to shield him from.

Legal updates: charges dropped in Argentina

A significant shift in the investigation into Liam Payne’s death unfolded in February 2025, when Argentina’s Court of Appeals dismissed manslaughter charges against Roger Nores, Gilda Martin, and Esteban Grassi. Nores, a close friend traveling with Liam, had faced allegations of abandoning the singer in a vulnerable state. Martin, the hotel manager, and Grassi, the head receptionist, were scrutinized for allegedly failing to act when they escorted Liam to his room shortly before his fall. The February 19 ruling found insufficient evidence of negligence or recklessness, absolving the trio and altering the case’s trajectory after months of legal proceedings.

Two other individuals, Braian Nahuel Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, remain under investigation for allegedly supplying and facilitating narcotics. Paiz, a 24-year-old waiter who admitted to using drugs with Liam at the hotel, faces potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison, though he denies selling substances to the singer. Pereyra, a maintenance worker at CasaSur, is also implicated as authorities work to trace the drugs found in Liam’s room. The Payne family’s statement avoided commenting on the ongoing suspects but reiterated their plea for privacy as the Argentine probe continues.

Roger Nores, relieved by the ruling, spoke out after his acquittal, denying claims of abandonment and clarifying that he visited the hotel three times on the day of the incident, leaving 40 minutes before Liam’s fall while the singer mingled with fans in the lobby. The decision frees Nores to travel to the UK, where he intends to meet Liam’s contacts, while the family focuses on moving forward after the singer’s body was repatriated in November 2024.

Case timeline: key moments in Liam Payne’s tragedy

The events surrounding Liam Payne’s death and its aftermath form a complex timeline of grief and legal twists. Here are the pivotal moments:

  • October 2, 2024: Liam arrives in Buenos Aires for Niall Horan’s concert, engaging with fans.
  • October 16, 2024: Liam falls from the third-floor balcony at CasaSur Palermo, dying instantly.
  • November 2024: Five individuals, including Roger Nores and Braian Paiz, are charged; Liam’s body is returned to the UK.
  • February 19, 2025: Argentine court clears Nores, Martin, and Grassi of manslaughter.
  • March 1, 2025: BRIT Awards honors Liam with a heartfelt tribute video.
  • March 2, 2025: Payne family releases statement on dropped charges, requesting privacy.

This timeline captures the rapid escalation and partial resolution of a case that blends personal loss with public intrigue.

Fans react: support and sorrow flood social media

The dismissal of charges against Roger Nores and the Payne family’s statement sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans worldwide voicing support and sadness. After months of speculation, One Direction followers flooded X and Instagram with messages for Bear and the family, while others revisited Liam’s musical milestones. The BRIT Awards tribute video, garnering over 5 million views in a day, fueled trending hashtags like #LiamPayneForever, topping charts in countries including Brazil, as fans mourned and celebrated his legacy.

The fanbase showed mixed sentiments on the investigation’s progress. Some welcomed Nores’s clearance, while others demanded accountability for Paiz and Pereyra, given Paiz’s admission of drug use with Liam. This digital outpouring underscores the deep bond between Payne and his audience, forged over a decade of music that began when he was just 17 on The X Factor.

Liam Payne’s career: a British music icon

Liam Payne’s imprint on music spans his One Direction tenure and solo ventures. Discovered on The X Factor in 2008 at age 14, he returned in 2010 to join Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik in a band that would dominate charts with five consecutive Billboard 200 number-one albums and a world tour grossing over 500 million dollars from 2011 to 2015. Post-2016 hiatus, Liam signed with Capitol Records, debuting solo with “Strip That Down,” a platinum-certified hit across multiple countries.

His solo path faced hurdles, notably the last-minute cancellation of his second album by Universal Music days before his death, a setback described as crushing by those close to him. Yet, his legacy shone at the BRIT Awards and in tributes from collaborators like Jonas Blue, with whom he crafted the 2018 hit “Polaroid.” Payne’s career, blending boy-band stardom with solo resilience, remains a cornerstone of modern pop history.

Family impact: Bear Payne in the spotlight

The Payne family’s statement spotlighted Bear, Liam’s son with Cheryl Cole, born March 22, 2017. Now seven, Bear navigates his father’s loss amid unrelenting media glare, a burden the family called an added strain. Cheryl, a former Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge, has stayed publicly silent since Liam’s death, reportedly focusing on shielding Bear from the headlines that have swirled since October 2024.

Liam’s bond with Bear shone in rare glimpses, like 2020 photos of father-son playtime. Recent years brought personal turbulence, including legal disputes with ex-fiancée Maya Henry, who accused him of harassment post-2022 breakup, impacting his emotional state per close sources. The family now aims to insulate Bear from this chaos, seeking solitude to mourn a loss felt globally.

Ongoing probe: unanswered questions linger

Though Roger Nores and the hotel staff were cleared, the Argentine investigation persists, targeting Braian Nahuel Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra for alleged drug involvement. Paiz, who met Liam at a restaurant and exchanged Instagram messages, admitted to sharing cocaine and whiskey at CasaSur but denies supplying drugs. Evidence from Liam’s room—clonazepam, a white powder, and charred cans—points to substance use, yet final toxicology results remain pending, clouding the full picture.

Liam’s body was repatriated to the UK in November 2024, enabling a private funeral in his hometown of Wolverhampton with loved ones. Argentine police searched suspects’ homes on November 5, 2024, but no further arrests have occurred. The Payne family, while eased by Nores’s clearance, monitors the case from afar, prioritizing privacy five months after a tragedy that continues to unfold.

The death of Liam Payne, former One Direction star, at age 31 on October 16, 2024, after a fall from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, continues to resonate with fans and loved ones, but a recent development has brought partial relief to his family. On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Payne family issued their first public statement since the tragedy, addressing the dismissal of charges against Roger Nores, a friend who was with Liam during the Argentina trip, and reflecting on the toll of relentless media scrutiny on their grieving process. The decision, handed down by Argentina’s Court of Appeals in February, cleared Nores and two hotel staff members, Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi, of manslaughter charges, closing a chapter of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death. However, two other suspects remain under scrutiny for allegedly supplying narcotics, keeping parts of the case unresolved. The family’s statement followed an emotional tribute to Liam at the BRIT Awards on March 1, reigniting memories of his musical legacy and sparking global conversations about his life and loss.

Liam Payne’s fatal fall stunned the world, occurring in the upscale Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires after he attended Niall Horan’s concert on October 2, 2024, alongside other activities in the city. Preliminary autopsy reports cited multiple traumas with internal and external hemorrhaging as the cause of death, stemming from a 13-meter drop, while toxicology tests revealed alcohol and substances in his system. The family, previously silent, emphasized in their statement the pain of navigating this loss under public scrutiny, particularly for Bear, Liam’s seven-year-old son with Cheryl Cole, who now faces a highly publicized childhood without his father. The dropping of charges against Nores, once suspected of negligence, offered some solace, though the family pleaded for privacy amid ongoing speculation that has lingered since last October.

Across Brazil and beyond, Liam’s passing galvanized millions of fans who followed his journey from One Direction’s formation on The X Factor in 2010 to his solo career launch in 2016. The family’s message not only underscored their need to shield Bear and grieve privately but also honored Liam’s indelible mark on music, celebrated during the BRIT Awards tribute with a video montage of his career highlights. As Argentine authorities continue probing the drug-related aspects of the case, the family’s words signal a turning point, balancing closure on one front with a call for peace amid an ordeal that remains far from fully resolved.

BRIT Awards tribute: Liam Payne honored in London

March 1, 2025, etched itself into fans’ hearts as a night of remembrance for Liam Payne at the BRIT Awards, held at London’s O2 Arena. The prestigious music event paid tribute to the late singer with a poignant video showcasing his life’s milestones: from family moments and The X Factor auditions in 2008 and 2010 to his One Direction heyday and solo hits like “Strip That Down,” which has amassed over 1 billion Spotify streams since its 2017 release. The tribute moved attendees and viewers worldwide, reaffirming Liam’s lasting influence on British music.

In their March 2 statement, the Payne family expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that Liam was celebrated for his “phenomenal contribution to British music” and the joy he brought to millions globally. The ceremony, which also honored artists like Dua Lipa and Raye, paused to reflect on Payne’s legacy, a testament to his 70 million record sales with One Direction and his solo achievements. The presence of former bandmates Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson backstage added a layer of nostalgia, tying the event to the group’s monumental run before its 2016 hiatus following Zayn Malik’s departure.

Media spotlight: the burden on the Payne family

Since Liam Payne’s death on October 16, 2024, his family has endured relentless media coverage, a struggle they detailed in their March 2 statement as causing “indescribable and lasting damage,” particularly to Bear, now seven. The tragedy dominated headlines worldwide, with reports delving into the chaotic scene at the CasaSur Palermo—scattered alcohol, medications, and a white powder—alongside an investigation that initially charged five individuals with potential crimes linked to the incident. The constant attention has compounded the family’s grief, thrusting Bear into a spotlight they are desperate to shield him from.

Legal updates: charges dropped in Argentina

A significant shift in the investigation into Liam Payne’s death unfolded in February 2025, when Argentina’s Court of Appeals dismissed manslaughter charges against Roger Nores, Gilda Martin, and Esteban Grassi. Nores, a close friend traveling with Liam, had faced allegations of abandoning the singer in a vulnerable state. Martin, the hotel manager, and Grassi, the head receptionist, were scrutinized for allegedly failing to act when they escorted Liam to his room shortly before his fall. The February 19 ruling found insufficient evidence of negligence or recklessness, absolving the trio and altering the case’s trajectory after months of legal proceedings.

Two other individuals, Braian Nahuel Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, remain under investigation for allegedly supplying and facilitating narcotics. Paiz, a 24-year-old waiter who admitted to using drugs with Liam at the hotel, faces potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison, though he denies selling substances to the singer. Pereyra, a maintenance worker at CasaSur, is also implicated as authorities work to trace the drugs found in Liam’s room. The Payne family’s statement avoided commenting on the ongoing suspects but reiterated their plea for privacy as the Argentine probe continues.

Roger Nores, relieved by the ruling, spoke out after his acquittal, denying claims of abandonment and clarifying that he visited the hotel three times on the day of the incident, leaving 40 minutes before Liam’s fall while the singer mingled with fans in the lobby. The decision frees Nores to travel to the UK, where he intends to meet Liam’s contacts, while the family focuses on moving forward after the singer’s body was repatriated in November 2024.

Case timeline: key moments in Liam Payne’s tragedy

The events surrounding Liam Payne’s death and its aftermath form a complex timeline of grief and legal twists. Here are the pivotal moments:

  • October 2, 2024: Liam arrives in Buenos Aires for Niall Horan’s concert, engaging with fans.
  • October 16, 2024: Liam falls from the third-floor balcony at CasaSur Palermo, dying instantly.
  • November 2024: Five individuals, including Roger Nores and Braian Paiz, are charged; Liam’s body is returned to the UK.
  • February 19, 2025: Argentine court clears Nores, Martin, and Grassi of manslaughter.
  • March 1, 2025: BRIT Awards honors Liam with a heartfelt tribute video.
  • March 2, 2025: Payne family releases statement on dropped charges, requesting privacy.

This timeline captures the rapid escalation and partial resolution of a case that blends personal loss with public intrigue.

Fans react: support and sorrow flood social media

The dismissal of charges against Roger Nores and the Payne family’s statement sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans worldwide voicing support and sadness. After months of speculation, One Direction followers flooded X and Instagram with messages for Bear and the family, while others revisited Liam’s musical milestones. The BRIT Awards tribute video, garnering over 5 million views in a day, fueled trending hashtags like #LiamPayneForever, topping charts in countries including Brazil, as fans mourned and celebrated his legacy.

The fanbase showed mixed sentiments on the investigation’s progress. Some welcomed Nores’s clearance, while others demanded accountability for Paiz and Pereyra, given Paiz’s admission of drug use with Liam. This digital outpouring underscores the deep bond between Payne and his audience, forged over a decade of music that began when he was just 17 on The X Factor.

Liam Payne’s career: a British music icon

Liam Payne’s imprint on music spans his One Direction tenure and solo ventures. Discovered on The X Factor in 2008 at age 14, he returned in 2010 to join Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik in a band that would dominate charts with five consecutive Billboard 200 number-one albums and a world tour grossing over 500 million dollars from 2011 to 2015. Post-2016 hiatus, Liam signed with Capitol Records, debuting solo with “Strip That Down,” a platinum-certified hit across multiple countries.

His solo path faced hurdles, notably the last-minute cancellation of his second album by Universal Music days before his death, a setback described as crushing by those close to him. Yet, his legacy shone at the BRIT Awards and in tributes from collaborators like Jonas Blue, with whom he crafted the 2018 hit “Polaroid.” Payne’s career, blending boy-band stardom with solo resilience, remains a cornerstone of modern pop history.

Family impact: Bear Payne in the spotlight

The Payne family’s statement spotlighted Bear, Liam’s son with Cheryl Cole, born March 22, 2017. Now seven, Bear navigates his father’s loss amid unrelenting media glare, a burden the family called an added strain. Cheryl, a former Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge, has stayed publicly silent since Liam’s death, reportedly focusing on shielding Bear from the headlines that have swirled since October 2024.

Liam’s bond with Bear shone in rare glimpses, like 2020 photos of father-son playtime. Recent years brought personal turbulence, including legal disputes with ex-fiancée Maya Henry, who accused him of harassment post-2022 breakup, impacting his emotional state per close sources. The family now aims to insulate Bear from this chaos, seeking solitude to mourn a loss felt globally.

Ongoing probe: unanswered questions linger

Though Roger Nores and the hotel staff were cleared, the Argentine investigation persists, targeting Braian Nahuel Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra for alleged drug involvement. Paiz, who met Liam at a restaurant and exchanged Instagram messages, admitted to sharing cocaine and whiskey at CasaSur but denies supplying drugs. Evidence from Liam’s room—clonazepam, a white powder, and charred cans—points to substance use, yet final toxicology results remain pending, clouding the full picture.

Liam’s body was repatriated to the UK in November 2024, enabling a private funeral in his hometown of Wolverhampton with loved ones. Argentine police searched suspects’ homes on November 5, 2024, but no further arrests have occurred. The Payne family, while eased by Nores’s clearance, monitors the case from afar, prioritizing privacy five months after a tragedy that continues to unfold.

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