In a deeply tragic incident, Rogelio “Roger” Nores, a close associate of the former One Direction star Liam Payne, believes that Payne’s untimely death stemmed from a most “extremely unfortunate” collection of circumstances. The heartbreaking event unfolded in October when Payne, at the young age of 31, fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the local authorities confirmed to CNN.
In the months following this dreadful occurrence, five individuals faced charges linked to Payne’s death as per local prosecutors’ reports. Among those initially charged was Nores himself, but he has since seen these accusations and those against two other people dismissed. However, the fallout has not ended there, as law enforcement officials detained a hotel staff member and a local waiter, both of whom are suspected of providing substances, including cocaine, to Payne while he was residing at the hotel.
In a heartfelt interview with CNN en Español on Tuesday, Nores shared that he had left Payne just an hour prior to that tragic event and recalled that Payne was in good spirits, simply being himself. This revelation underscored the suddenness of what transpired—a stark reminder of how quickly life can turn. Reflecting on the shock of the incident, Nores expressed the difficulty in predicting such a fate, stating, “It was very hard to see it coming.”
Nores and Payne’s trip to Buenos Aires was a personal initiative, primarily motivated by Payne’s desire to attend a concert featuring his former bandmate Niall Horan. Nores described Payne as a vibrant individual who truly enjoyed life, relishing travel, and the company of others. “He was happy,” Nores asserted, dispelling notions of any underlying sadness or depression that might have contributed to the state of despair leading to the incident, calling it “extremely unfortunate.”
During their stay, the group, which also included Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, engaged in typical, enjoyable activities such as bowling and watching films. According to Nores’ account, it was stated that Payne had remained sober throughout the duration of their trip, which adds further complexity to the tragic event that would follow.
Despite the insidious presence of drugs leading up to his death, Nores firmly argued that the substances were not responsible for Payne’s demise, stating, “I think this was really unfortunate and a proper accident.” The toxicology report later revealed that Payne had various substances, including alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his fall.
The two friends had forged a close bond after meeting in 2020, and in the wake of Payne’s death, Nores signifies a commitment to navigating his grief while recalling Payne as “one of the best friends I ever had in my life.” As the investigation regarding Payne’s fall commenced in October, many watched closely, particularly when it was revealed that Nores and others were discharged of potential homicide charges due to evidence favoring their innocence.
Simultaneously, the hotel staff member and waiter who remain in custody face the potential of lengthy prison sentences which are indicative of the serious nature of their alleged actions. The complex nature of the legal proceedings reflects the layers of accountability in the aftermath of such tragedies.
Payne’s struggles with mental health and substance abuse had been public knowledge, with him bravely sharing his journey. He had recently celebrated six months of sobriety, having sought help in a U.S. facility. Nores noted that those around Payne strived to support and guide him, but ultimately recognized that his choices were his own.
Before his tragic passing, Payne participated in filming for Netflix’s “Building the Band,” a competition show where he co-judged alongside prominent figures such as Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland. Despite the shock of Payne’s sudden death, Netflix is reportedly still moving forward with the show.
The impact of Payne’s death resonated widely, causing sorrow among his numerous fans and within the music industry. As a pivotal figure in One Direction’s rise—a phenomenon born from the 2010 British X Factor—Payne’s contributions to the arts have left indelible marks. He was laid to rest in England, amidst an outpouring of love and remembrance from his former bandmates, including Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson.
This tragic conclusion not only highlights an individual’s struggle against the battles of life but also reflects the profound connections formed between friends and the devastation that comes with loss.