World
31-Year-Old Liam Payne Dead: Fell from Hotel Balcony, Suspected to Be Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Sources reveal that Liam Payne and his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, arrived in Argentina on September 30, sharing several posts of their vacation on social media.
While Cassidy left Argentina on October 14, Payne stayed behind and checked into the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Tragedy struck shortly after, as Liam Payne died following a fall from the third-floor balcony of his hotel.
Authorities responded after receiving a 911 call from hotel staff reporting an “aggressive” male guest.
Witnesses in the hotel lobby described Payneโs erratic behavior, and it was suspected he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A staff member expressed concern, saying, “We have a guest whoโs off his head on drugs and is destroying everything in his room,” and feared he might harm himself due to the presence of a balcony.
Despite attempts to get urgent assistance, Payne tragically fell moments later.
Payne was found in the hotelโs internal courtyard, having suffered fatal injuries from the fall, estimated to be from 13 to 40 meters.
Emergency responders arrived at 5:11 p.m., but by the time they reached Payne, he had already succumbed to the severe injuries, described as “incompatible with life.”
Alberto Crescenti, head of the local emergency medical services, confirmed there was no possibility of resuscitation.
Local police have opened an investigation, and an autopsy is underway to determine the precise cause of death.
This tragic event has shocked fans and the public, especially given Payneโs significant presence as a former member of One Direction.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria โ The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the LagosโIbadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of โฆ5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshuaโs professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshuaโs recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.