Kaylah Walton
A former staff member of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, named Braian Nahuel Paiz, has been arrested in connection with providing substances to Liam Payne, who tragically passed away on October 16. Authorities apprehended Paiz, a restaurant waiter at the hotel, near his residence on Friday, with potential charges that carry a sentence of four to 15 years, as stated by his attorney, Fernando Madeo Facente.
This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation involving five individuals related to Payne’s death. While officials claim Paiz provided drugs to Payne, he maintains his innocence, asserting that while they consumed substances together, he did not personally supply any drugs to the singer.
Insights from the hotel employee about Liam Payne’s last days
In discussions with local media in Argentina, Paiz shared details of several encounters with Payne leading up to his death. He mentioned that Payne asked for contact information for a drug dealer during one meeting and claimed that they used substances together on another occasion.
Images of Payne’s disheveled hotel room, released by investigators, depicted a disturbing scene filled with drug paraphernalia and a damaged television. A toxicology analysis identified various substances in Payne’s system, notably “pink cocaine,” which is a hazardous mix of ecstasy and ketamine.
Despite the findings, investigators concluded that Payne’s tragic injuries resulted from a fall, ruling out suicide due to his awareness at the time.
Further legal actions against others involved
Paiz isn’t the only individual under investigation. Ezequiel Pereyra, another hotel employee, is also facing drug-related charges. Additionally, the operations manager of CasaSur Palermo, a receptionist, and a close associate of Payne are dealing with manslaughter accusations. The receptionist allegedly made a frantic 911 call, fearing for Payne’s safety shortly before the incident.
A legacy tainted by battles with addiction
The former member of One Direction had struggled with addiction for many years. Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, had been in Argentina with him but left shortly before his death, which reportedly led Payne into a downward spiral of erratic behavior.
Liam Payne‘s funeral was held in England on November 20, leaving a community of fans and loved ones to mourn the tragic loss of a gifted artist taken too soon.
