The body of Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, was flown back to the UK this morning, following his untimely death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31.
Payne, who had been visiting Argentina on holiday, tragically passed away last month after reportedly falling from a hotel’s third floor.
His father, Geoff Payne, traveled to Argentina to arrange his son’s repatriation and returned with the singer’s body, which arrived at London Heathrow Airport early Thursday morning.
The flight carrying Payne’s body became the most tracked plane in the world as fans monitored its journey, a testament to his enduring impact on fans worldwide.
In a statement to La Nacion, Buenos Aires prosecutor Andrés Madrea confirmed that Payne’s body was cleared for repatriation after local authorities conducted toxicology and laboratory tests.
The delay in his body’s return was attributed to the ongoing investigation surrounding the singer’s death, which has prompted an examination of his personal effects and involved questioning hotel staff, according to the publication.
As Liam Payne’s body arrived in the UK, mourners began gathering at St. Peter’s Collegiate Church in his hometown of Wolverhampton, leaving flowers and handwritten tributes at the Lady Wulfrun statue.
A source close to the family stated that a “big send-off” is being organized to honor Payne’s memory, adding that the funeral will include “a series of song tributes” reflecting Payne’s love for music.
While official details of the service remain private, fans across social media have urged others to respect the family’s request for privacy during this period of mourning.
Meanwhile, Argentine authorities are deepening their investigation into Payne’s tragic last days. Police recently raided the homes of two employees at the CasaSur hotel where he stayed, alongside another “friend” reportedly linked to drug procurement.
It is reported that law enforcement officials reviewed security footage and searched the hotel employees’ lockers after receiving tips from Payne’s close friend, Roger Nores, who alerted the hotel’s management over concerns about Payne’s alleged drug use.
Investigators are focusing on Payne’s connection to one hotel worker suspected of procuring drugs for him. Initial autopsy findings showed Payne had “pink cocaine” in his system, a hazardous mix of meth, ecstasy, ketamine, and other substances.
The person identified as Payne’s drug contact was not present during the raid, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Liam’s Fans Slam Media Amid Star’s Funeral Processions
Liam Payne’s body was temporarily shifted to a British Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina before being transported to his home country.
A broadcast from Argentina reportedly filmed outside the cemetery where Liam’s body was kept and a male presenter claimed the body was still held inside, on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
The chapel that could be accessed only by “exclusive” authorities was explicitly shown on the mass media broadcast and it left the One Direction star’s fans enraged.
It comes after the 31-year-old singer’s body has now been transferred to the UK where his funeral is expected to be attended by former bandmates and other major celebrities, on Friday.
Liam’s fans felt that filming the star’s final resting place was a major disrespect to him, with one writing, “How could they film inside the funerarium??!!!!”
“Damn they are real disrespectful,” another added.
“Why is his coffin on the news???!! Give the man some respect and let him rest in peace!”
Another user
However, when asked about the broadcast, the cemetery, Cementerio Británico de Buenos Aires, confirmed that the former One Direction member’s body had not been present at the time of filming.
“The coffin was here 5 days, time needed to prepare everything for the travel to England. In the video, you can see our chapel and the place where the coffin was. This video was recorded 6 hours after the coffin was transported to the airport.”
Response from people at the cemetary
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