Liam Payne’s Dad Is Willing to Help in Investigation of His Son’s Death
Liam Payne’s dad, Geoff Payne, is willing to help authorities with the investigation of his son’s death.
The Argentine Prosecutor's Office confirmed to Us Weekly that Geoff has spoken to the case’s prosecutor, Dr. Andres Esteban Madrea, about "his desire to investigate and to know what happened" with his son, Liam. Geoff also expressed that he will share with authorities what he knows about his son's life that could potentially aid the investigation.
Geoff will remain in Argentina under "dynamic police custody until the end of the judicial proceedings and given his state of logical commotion due to the death of his son,” per the prosecutor's office. According to Madrea, the office’s top priority is to preserve "the privacy of the family of the former member of the band One Direction.”
“Everything that arises within the framework of the investigation will first be informed to the family,” the department said in a statement to Us. “And given the high public exposure that the musician had, the communication will be limited to the institutional channels of the Public Prosecutor's Office.”
Former One Direction Singer Liam Payne’s Death at 31: Everything to Know So Far
Us confirmed that Liam died at age 31 on Wednesday, October 16. The former One Direction singer suffered from several “serious injuries” following a falling from a third-story balcony at a Bueno Aires hotel, per Buenos Aires emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti.
In addition to Geoff, Liam is survived by his mother Karen, older sisters Ruth and Nicola and 7-year-old son Bear whom he shared with ex Cheryl Cole.
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Liam’s family told the BBC in a statement. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Liam’s dad arrived in Argentina after news broke of Liam’s death. Outside the hotel where Liam died, fans put together an impromptu memorial for the singer with handwritten notes, letters, flowers and candles. Geoff was seen at the makeshift memorial, taking in the tributes and paying his respects.
One Direction Alum Liam Payne’s Quotes on Mental Health Struggles Over the Years
According to a 9-1-1 phone call from the day of Liam’s death, a hotel receptionist called the authorities to report a guest who was “high on drugs” and “trashing” their room. The caller believed the unnamed guest “may be in danger,” per the BBC.
One week after his death, ABC reported that Liam’s partial autopsy showed that the musician had “pink cocaine” — a recreational drug that typically mixes methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA — cocaine, benzodiazepine and crack in his system at the time of his death.
Liam was previously candid about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. Last year, he revealed that he was 100 days sober after a stint in rehab.
With reporting by Luciana Arias
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).