Liam Payne's Body Flown Back to UK

Liam Payne’s body has returned home nearly a month after his death.

The One Direction singer died after falling from a third story balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel, his body has been flown to the U.K, an Argentinian official confirmed to the BBC.

The 31-year-old’s body was released to his family November 6, public prosecutor Andrés Madrea told the outlet, following the completion of the toxicology report and laboratory tests local authorities conducted in the wake of his October 16 death.

Liam’s autopsy found he had died from internal and external bleeding that had resulted from the fall, a statement from Argentine officials confirmed. 

While the final results have not yet been shared, a preliminary toxicology report found that multiple drugs—including a combination of MDMA, ketamine and methamphetamine known as pink cocaine—were in the “For You” singer’s system at the time of his death, a police spokesperson told the New York Times.

On November 6, authorities confirmed to ABC World News Tonight that three unnamed people of interest regarding Liam’s death had been detained by police, with the outlet noting, “Police detained two hotel workers accused of supplying the drugs, and raided the home of a friend, also detained.”

Following news of his death, Liam’s father Geoff Payne—who shares Liam, as well as daughters Ruth Gibbins and Nicola Payne with wife Karen Payne—flew to Argentina. 

In a video shared to X, formerly Twitter, November 5, Geoff was seen visiting a memorial for Liam at CasaSur Palermo Hotel to light a candle and lay down a rose before he returned to England the following day with his son’s body.

Ahead of Geoff’s arrival in Buenos Aires, Liam’s family expressed their grief in a joint statement.

“We are heartbroken," they told the BBC. “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

Meanwhile, the “Strip That Down” singer’s former One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan also issued a joint statement regarding his passing as well as sharing individual memories with the singer. 

Niall, for his part, reflected on seeing Payne for the last time during his "The Show: Live on Tour" concert in Buenos Aires on October 2.

“I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently,” Niall wrote in an October 18 statement. “I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking.”