CNN
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The first toxicology report on pop star Liam Payne shows he had cocaine in his system when he fell to his death from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Argentina, the Associated Press reported.
The results of the final toxicology report are not expected to be made public for several weeks, but the initial report “suggested evidence of exposure to cocaine,” the Associated Press reports, and is authorized to brief journalists. The report cited an Argentine official who spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no information available.
The circumstances surrounding the former One Direction star’s death in a fall last week at the Casasul Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires are still being investigated by authorities.
Argentina’s public prosecutor’s office said Thursday that “everything indicates that the musician was alone at the time of the fall.”
Payne, 31, has previously opened up about her struggles with addiction and mental health.
Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik released statements last week praising Payne, whom they called their “brother.”
“The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever,” the joint statement said.
On Wednesday, Buenos Aires police said they were concerned that hotel guests were “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol” and their lives were “in jeopardy” after staff called 911 to request emergency assistance from police. I was dispatched to the hotel. CNN’s local affiliate Todo Noticias obtained the emergency alert.
Marcelo Roma, the prosecutor in charge of the investigation, last week confirmed a preliminary autopsy report that determined Payne’s cause of death was multiple severe injuries and “internal and external bleeding” caused by a fall from three stories.
Officials investigating the incident suspect he may have been completely unconscious at the time of the fall. “The position in which the body was found and the injuries sustained from the fall suggest that Mr. Payne may not have taken a reflexive position to protect himself and may have fallen semi- or fully unconscious.” the report states.
Photos released by Buenos Aires police on Wednesday showed unidentified white powder, crumpled aluminum foil, a lighter and other items strewn on a table in Payne’s hotel room. was. There are also some burnt marks on the table.
Payne’s father, Jeff Payne, traveled to Buenos Aires on Friday and visited the hotel where his son died. Jeff Payne became visibly emotional as he thanked the fans who had gathered outside his hotel and expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support.
Last weekend, One Direction’s supporters paid tribute to the band at memorial services held around the world.
Payne has a 7-year-old son, Bear, with singer Cheryl Cole.