LIAM Payne’s friend has shared a bombshell statement denying “abandoning” the One Direction star shortly before his death.

Argentinian cops have charged three people after 31-year-old Liam fell from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last month.

8

Three people have been charged in connection with Liam Payne’s deathCredit: Alamy

8

Liam’s close friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores has denied being one of the suspectsCredit: Getty

8

It’s after prosecutors said one of the accused ‘accompanied the artist on a daily basis’ during his stay in Buenos AiresCredit: Getty

8

The One Direction star, 31, died at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel on October 16
The suspects include an unnamed person close to Liam charged with abandonment of a person followed by death and supply and facilitation of narcotics.

Liam’s close friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores was believed to be the pal in question – however, he has denied this.

Nores told The Sun: “I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened.

“I could have never imagined something like this would happen.”

Two hotel workers are also among the three individuals now being formally investigated by authorities.

Nores added: “I never abandoned Liam, I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened.

“There were over 15 people at the hotel lobby chatting and joking with him when I left.

“I could have never imagined something like this would happen. I’ve given my statement to the prosecutor on October 17th as a witness.

“I haven’t spoken to any police officer or prosecutor ever since.

“I wasn’t Liam’s manager he was just my very dear friend and please refer to the email I sent to Liam and his team on August 23rd.

Three charged in connection with Liam Payne’s death after cops stormed hotel hunting for ‘drug dealer’
“I’m really heart broken with this tragedy, and I’ve missing my friend every day.”

TRIO CHARGED

The One Direction star died after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palmero Hotel on October 16.

A statement from Argentina’s public prosecutor said: “Liam Payne was not fully conscious or was experiencing a state of noticeable decrease or loss of consciousness at the time of the fall.”

It added one of the accused “accompanied the artist on a daily basis” during his stay in Argentina.

A hotel employee is also accused of supplying Payne with cocaine twice while he stayed at the hotel, prosecutors added.

8

Emergency services outside CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires the night Liam diedCredit: Getty

8

A memorial set up by fans outside CasaSur Hotel in Buenos AiresCredit: Alamy

8

Fans gathered outside the hotel where Liam died to pay tributeCredit: Getty
A third person is accused of supplying drugs to the singer twice during his stay on October 14, the statement said.

Prosecutor Andres Esteban Madrea confirmed they are both charged with two acts each of supplying narcotics.

The prosecutor’s office said it had heard several dozen testimonies and analysed more than 800 hours of CCTV footage from security cameras.

They said they carried out a “forensic extraction” of Liam’s phone, sifting through his call logs, messages and social media accounts.

Nine raids have also been carried out on properties in Buenos Aires.

A post-mortem concluded Liam’s death was caused by “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” after the fall.

Prosecutors said there was nothing to indicate any third party was involved in the death.

They also ruled out “self-harm”, according to a forensic psychiatric report.

LIAM’S FUNERAL

It comes after the singer’s body was returned home yesterday.

His dad Geoff was also on the flight into Heathrow — with the body then transferred to Liam’s home town of Wolverhampton.

His funeral has been arranged and is expected to take place in the West Midlands city within ten days.

A source said: “Plans are in motion for Liam’s funeral and a date has been set.

“His family are determined to keep things as private as ­possible to allow them to grieve but also understand the global interest.”

His former One Direction bandmates — Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson — are expected to be at the funeral, as well as girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

The X Factor mogul and close friend Simon Cowell is also set to fly to the UK for the service.

Liam’s dad and mum Karen had been working around the clock to bring their son’s body home.

Geoff had flown out to Argentina and visited Casa Sur Hotel to view fans’ tributes.

A source close to Liam’s family previously told The Sun: “Geoff is living every parent’s worst nightmare.

“He has been so moved by the outpouring of love and the tributes that have come in from across the world.”

STAR’S FINAL HOURS

Argentinian cops raided the singer’s hotel last week looking for information on alleged drug dealing staff.

Cops believe Liam was smuggled drugs hidden in a Dove soap box.

Reports say Liam was acting erratically and had smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room following an incident earlier in the day in the hotel lobby.

He told one fan just an hour before his death that he loved Buenos Aires so much he wanted to buy a house there.

But at some point, things took a tragic turn and the hotel’s reception manager frantically called cops telling them that Liam was under the influence of drink and drugs and had trashed his room.

The receptionist called emergency services saying: “We have a guest who is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.

“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”

An insider has said Liam was trying to get clean and had been given an all-clear on a drugs test before his death.

They said: “Liam had tried really hard to get clean, then he’s been preyed upon.

“These people just care about money – they don’t care about putting people’s lives in danger.

“It’s an evil trade. This is all just tragic.”

Last month musician Sam Pounds announced plans to release a duet with Liam called Do No Wrong on November 1.

However Liam’s posthumous single was postponed.

Liam’s song Teardrops – which revealed the heartbreaking challenges in his love life – re-entered the charts at number 7 after his death.

The singer shot to fame on The X Factor in 2010.

He and ex girlfriend Cheryl share son Bear, seven.

Tributes to Liam Payne

SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer’s death circulated across the world.

Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.

“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”

X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.

He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.

Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”

Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.

He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.

JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..

“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..

“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”

Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.

He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.

“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.

“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”

German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.

The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”

American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.

Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.

“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…

“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”

Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”

In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”

American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”

ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”

Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”

8

Liam died on October 16 after falling 45ft from his third floor balconyCredit: AFP