Singer-songwriter Liam Payne was trying to escape his hotel room in Argentina via the balcony when he fell to his death Oct. 16, a new report suggests.
The investigation, which includes a police report, witness statements, 911 audio and surveillance footage, reveals that hotel staff were allegedly aware of Payne’s intention to use the balcony to escape and was forced back into his room and left alone, according to TMZ. The One Direction star, who reportedly despised being confined in hotel rooms, including while touring with the pop band, allegedly had a history of using balconies as an escape route.
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 04: Recording artist Liam Payne of One Direction performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM Jingle Ball 2015 Presented by Capital One at STAPLES CENTER on December 4, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Screenshots from hotel surveillance footage show Payne acting disruptively in the lobby, appearing visibly intoxicated, according to TMZ. The video allegedly captures three hotel workers carrying him to his room shortly before his fatal fall. Payne was conscious and holding his head upright as he was escorted, the outlet reported.
The singer reportedly resisted the hotel staff’s efforts to escort him to his room, struggling and refusing to go inside. Staff ultimately used a master key to open the door and place him inside, according to a police report obtained by TMZ. The workers reportedly removed a mirror from the wall outside of his room, to prevent him from damaging it.
The hotel employees allegedly called 911 after leaving Payne’s room, expressing concern that he might use the balcony and potentially harm himself.
“I don’t know whether his life may be in danger,” the hotel worker told the 911 dispatcher, according to the outlet. “He is in a room with a balcony and, well, we’re a little afraid.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 04: Recording artist Liam Payne of music group One Direction performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM Jingle Ball 2015 Presented by Capital One at STAPLES CENTER on December 4, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Payne had a bag strapped around his shoulder at the time of his death, an item he did not have when being carried out of the lobby, according to the outlet. Police also allegedly discovered a hat on or near his body after the fall.
Approximately two days after the star’s death, a hotel employee found a brown leather bag on the balcony of the room directly below his, according to TMZ. The bag contained a note reading, “for Liam,” along with various pills and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. Investigators believe he dropped the bag onto the second-floor balcony, possibly intending to climb down himself, but tragically failed in his attempt, the outlet reported.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally manipulated) Liam Payne attends the World Premiere of “I Am Bolt” at Odeon Leicester Square on November 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images)
The coroner said it was possible that Payne was unconscious when he fell, according to the outlet.
This was reportedly not the first time Payne had used a balcony as an escape route. During a prior incident, Payne’s bodyguard forced him into room in a Florida rental home because he was concerned that the singer was on a drug binge, the outlet reported. Payne allegedly escaped by climbing down from the balcony using a garden hose. (RELATED: Liam Payne’s Friend Reportedly Facing Charges In His Death)
The investigation into Payne’s death continues to unfold.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
