BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA — The death of former One Direction member Liam Payne has left the music world in shock since the tragic incident that occurred on October 16 at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires. Amid speculation about his final hours, Roger Nores, an Argentine businessman and close friend of Payne, has revealed surprising details in an interview for an upcoming TMZ documentary.
Nores claims Liam was “happy” and “joking” just an hour before his death, a statement that contrasts with reports suggesting the singer was distressed or intoxicated at the time.
Liam Payne, 31, died after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood, one of the most famous areas of Buenos Aires. The singer, world-renowned as a member of *One Direction*, leaves behind his seven-year-old son, Bear, from his relationship with singer Cheryl Cole.
Payne had been in Argentina since early October, where he had attended his former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert at the Movistar Arena, alongside his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. This visit marked his first public appearance in the country in several years, making the tragic outcome even more shocking for his fans and loved ones.
During an interview with *TMZ’s* Harvey Levin, Roger Nores shared his experience from that night. According to Nores, he dropped Liam off around 4:05 a.m., stating that the singer seemed to be in good spirits and in a completely normal state. “He was in good spirits, joking around and talking to a group of Americans who were at the hotel for a wedding. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary,” Nores recounted.
While she admitted that Liam had consumed some alcohol and seemed “a bit chipper,” she stressed that it was nothing out of the ordinary. She also strongly denied the allegations that she had abandoned Payne, noting that she visited the hotel three times that morning to make sure he was okay.
Liam Payne’s family released a statement following his death, describing him as a “kind, funny and brave” person. In the statement, they expressed their grief and asked for privacy at this difficult time.
“We are devastated. Liam will live forever in our hearts, and we will remember him for his kind and brave soul. We ask for privacy and space during this terrible time,” the family said.
Since the incident, Argentine authorities have launched an investigation to clarify the events. The documentary *TMZ Investigates: Liam Payne: Who’s to Blame?*, which will air on Monday, December 16 at 8:00 pm ET on FOX, promises to thoroughly explore the circumstances surrounding his death.
The programme aims to shed light on the many theories and statements that have emerged in the wake of the tragedy, including those relating to Payne’s emotional and physical state in his final hours.
Liam Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction, one of the most successful boy bands in history. From a young age, Payne showed his talent and passion for music, impressing audiences and judges during his first audition on X Factor. However, fame also brought with it enormous pressures, which, according to those close to the singer, affected his emotional well-being over the years.
News of his passing has prompted reflection on the challenges young artists face in the music industry, where expectations of perfection and constant exposure can take a devastating toll.
Liam will be remembered not only for his incredible talent and global success, but also for the positive impact he had on the lives of those who knew him. His death is a reminder of the need to address mental health issues and provide support for those facing the demands of fame and the entertainment industry.
As fans, friends and loved ones mourn the loss of a shining star, Liam Payne’s legacy will live on in his music and in the hearts of those who admired him.