Liam Payne’s Cause of Death Revealed in Preliminary Autopsy Report

Liam Payne‘s preliminary autopsy report has been shared by the prosecutor’s office in Argentina, revealing the 31-year-old singer died from internal and external traumas upon falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires Wednesday (Oct. 16).

According to the Spanish-language press release from the country’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office that was released the next day, the initial report concludes that the former One Direction star appeared to be alone and under the influence of substances when he fell at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday. The findings align with a frantic 911 call placed by staff shortly before Payne’s death at the hotel, which reported that a guest was “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol” and “destroying [their] entire room.” By the time police arrived, Payne had already fallen and died at the scene due to his injuries.

The autopsy also notes that Payne’s body was taken to the Judicial Morgue Wednesday night and studied by forensic doctors from 9:45 p.m. to 11:05 p.m. They concluded that 25 injuries — including to the skull, abdomen and limbs — identified on the musician were compatible with those caused by a fall from a height. They also noted that there were no signs of defensive wounds on his hands, and considering the position of his body, he may have been partially or fully unconscious at the time of his fall. They also found no signs of third-party intervention.

The report notes that the investigators are still looking into the circumstances surrounding the star’s death, and whether a third party was involved. The night of Payne’s passing, the report reveals, investigators spoke with five people — three hotel employees as well as two women who were with the singer in the hours before his death, but left before his fall. Investigators also found substances in the room that at first glance appear to be narcotics and alcoholic drinks.

The experts are still waiting on further toxicology tests to determine the extent with which drugs and alcohol may have played a role in Payne’s death.

News of the X Factor alum’s death rocked the music world Wednesday night, with fans and peers alike taking to social media to express their shock and grief. His family shared a statement with the BBC Thursday morning (Oct. 17), writing, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

Payne is survived by a 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl Cole. After earning countless hits with One Direction from 2010 to 2016, the musician embarked on a successful solo career.