One Direction singer Liam Payne, incapacitated by « consumption of various substances, » couldn’t maintain his balance in a hotel lobby before needlessly falling to his death, Argentinian prosecutors said Monday.
Five people, a friend of Payne’s and four hotel employees, face criminal charges in connection to Payne’s fatal fall at the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires on Oct. 16, officials said.
A judge approved charges against Payne’s companion, the hotel’s manager and the hotel’s head of reception. All three were accused of « negligent homicide, » according to prosecutors.
Those defendants showed « imprudence, negligence, lack of skill in their art or profession or failure to observe the regulations or duties in their charge (that caused) the death of another, » the prosecution said.
Two other hotel employees were also charged for allegedly furnishing drugs to the late singer.The hotel manager — identified by the initials GAM — was in the lobby and « noticed the state of health » of Payne, « who was unable to stand due to the consumption of various substances, » according to the prosecution statement.
That hotel manager « allowed, at least by omission, for Payne to be taken to his room moments before his death » and that Room 310 had a « balcony that, given the detailed situation, was a source of risk. »
The reception manager, identified by the initials ERG, also witnessed Payne’s vulnerable state and should have kept « him safe in an area without sources of danger, in company and until he could be provided with medical care, » the prosecution said.The singer had a personal representative traveling with him, a companion called RLN, who prosecutors said is « criminally responsible » for Payne’s death by failing « to comply with his duties of care, assistance and aid that he had. »
A waiter, identified only as BNP, and another hotel worker, called EDP, were both accused of supplying « cocaine in exchange for money » to the victim.
Sandra Lilley and Anthony Cusumano contributed.
