Police in Buenos Aires are intensifying their investigation into the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne. Authorities have questioned two Argentine escorts who were with the singer hours before his fatal fall from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur hotel. The 31-year-old’s death on Wednesday is being treated as an “inconclusive” incident as prosecutors piece together the events leading up to his fall.

Escorts Provide Statements

The two women, both aged 25, have given sworn statements to the Buenos Aires prosecutor. They claimed they were booked through an online escort service and arrived at the hotel at around 11:30 am, leaving at 4 pm after an unpaid dispute. They insisted that Payne did not consume drugs while they were present, although they shared alcoholic drinks.

Sources close to the investigation revealed the women were cooperative, providing access to their phones. Authorities continue to work on determining the sequence of events.

Hotel Staff Questioned

Police have also interviewed three hotel employees to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding Payne’s fall. A source stated that the singer’s room was found in “complete disarray” with several broken items, including a whiskey bottle and a mobile phone. Witnesses described hearing loud noises and a scream shortly before Payne’s body was discovered in the hotel courtyard.

A preliminary post-mortem report indicated that Payne suffered multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhaging.” Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of substance abuse influencing his behaviour.

Timeline of Events

The incident unfolded rapidly, according to local media reports. An employee at the hotel made two frantic calls to emergency services, expressing concern about Payne’s behaviour. The worker, who identified himself as Esteban, reported, “We have a guest who’s off his head on drugs and is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.”

The singer was reportedly acting erratically in the hotel lobby, smashing his laptop before being escorted back to his room. Payne ultimately fell from the balcony at around 5 pm local time (9 pm UK time). An ambulance arrived within minutes, but medics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Tributes and Vigil

Payne’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide, with many gathering outside the CasaSur hotel to pay their respects. Candles, flowers, and heartfelt messages were left as fans mourned the sudden loss of the British pop icon.

His One Direction bandmates have yet to comment publicly, while other celebrities have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness.

Police Hypothesis and Investigation

Argentine police are exploring whether Payne was experiencing a “substance-induced outbreak” before his fall. Officers believe he may have been under the influence, which could explain his erratic behaviour. Authorities are working closely with the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, which is handling the case as an “inconclusive death” until more evidence emerges.

Witnesses have reported hearing violent noises and seeing hotel staff repeatedly entering and exiting Payne’s room in the hours before the fall. One guest staying at the hotel said they heard a “violent scream” shortly before the incident.

Safety Concerns

Hotel staff reportedly voiced concerns about Payne’s access to the balcony, fearing his state of inebriation could result in a fall. The glass railing stands at around 4 feet tall, making it relatively easy to topple over in an unsteady state.

Authorities are continuing to question witnesses, review surveillance footage, and collect forensic evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding Payne’s tragic death.

Call for Information

Police urge anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to conclude their investigation.