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Former One Direction member Liam Payne, who died on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, is expected to have his funeral next week in the UK, with reports indicating it will likely take place at St Paul's Cathedral in Wolverhampton. Payne's body, currently held in Buenos Aires, is expected to be repatriated within the next 48 hours, as all necessary paperwork has been completed according to La Nacion. His remains are anticipated to arrive by November 6, allowing final arrangements to proceed.
Following Payne's tragic death, which occurred after he reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires, police have been investigating circumstances surrounding the incident. Payne's body was discovered in the hotel's internal courtyard, and an autopsy later confirmed he suffered multiple injuries, with both internal and external bleeding resulting from the fall.
Argentinian police have since raided the Casa Sur hotel, where Payne was staying, to investigate possible drug activity involving hotel staff. According to sources, investigators suspect that Payne may have acquired substances from hotel employees, which were allegedly hidden in a soap box. Two hotel staff members, including a cleaner, are now under investigation, as authorities work to understand if drugs contributed to his fatal fall. "Prosecutors believe Liam was 'in a state of semi or total unconsciousness' due to a substance-induced episode," said a spokesperson for the public prosecutors' office.
A preliminary toxicology report detected cocaine in Payne's system, though final toxicology results are not expected for several weeks. Payne's father traveled to Buenos Aires shortly after his son's death to identify the body and begin arrangements for its return.
Liam's girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, recently shared an emotional tribute, revealing they had been planning to marry next year. His family, including his mother Karen and sisters Ruth and Nicola, have also expressed profound grief over his sudden passing. Since the news broke, Payne's fans have gathered at the Casa Sur hotel, creating a makeshift memorial with flowers, candles, and photos to honor his memory.
