Manslaughter charges related to the tragic death of Liam Payne have been officially dropped against his close friend Roger Nores and two hotel workers.
The three individuals—Rogelio “Roger” Nores, hotel operator Gilda Martin, and head of reception Esteban Grassi—had originally been charged in December, two months after the One Direction star passed away at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The legal case had drawn international attention, with fans and authorities seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the singer’s sudden death.
The manslaughter accusations were part of a broader investigation that also implicated two other hotel employees. Alongside the now-dismissed charges, Ezequiel Pereyra, a hotel staff member, and Braian Paiz, a waiter, were charged with supplying cocaine to Payne.
Unlike Nores, Martin, and Grassi, these two individuals still face legal consequences and remain in custody awaiting trial. Argentine law treats drug supply cases with severe penalties, and if convicted, Pereyra and Paiz could face up to 15 years in prison.
Following the ruling, Roger Nores expressed relief over the dropped charges, stating, “Glad this is finally over. I’m happy I’m now going to be able to travel to the UK and say goodbye to my friend.” His emotional response highlighted the personal toll the case had taken on those close to Payne.
Had Nores, Martin, and Grassi been convicted, they would have faced up to five years in prison. With their names now cleared, they can move forward without the weight of legal uncertainty, though the tragic loss of Payne remains a deeply painful reality for those who knew him.
Court documents provide further details about the events leading up to Payne’s death. According to the latest reports, the singer fell from his third-floor balcony at approximately 5:10 PM on October 16. Prior to the fall, Payne had reportedly been involved in a heated argument with two women in the hotel lobby.
Later, cleaning staff discovered a broken television in his hotel room, indicating potential distress or erratic behavior. These details have fueled speculation about what truly transpired in his final hours.
A postmortem examination revealed that Payne’s cause of death was “polytrauma,” meaning multiple severe injuries resulting in internal and external bleeding. Further toxicology tests confirmed that before his passing, the singer had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system.
This combination of substances has raised questions about his mental state at the time of the incident. While authorities have ruled out foul play, the circumstances remain deeply tragic and complex.
As Payne’s family, friends, and fans continue to grieve, the legal process surrounding his death is not yet over. With the two hotel employees still facing drug-related charges, further developments in the case are expected.
Meanwhile, Payne’s legacy as a talented musician and beloved public figure remains intact, with tributes pouring in from around the world. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the challenges that can come with fame, personal struggles, and substance use, leaving many to reflect on the pressures faced by those in the spotlight.