Liam Payne’s phone could be key to solving mystery around his tragic balcony fall death – as cops hunt drug dealer

LIAM Payne’s phone could be key to solving unanswered questions after he fell to his death from a hotel balcony.

Police in Argentina believe the circumstances around the former One Direction star’s death are suspicious and possibly involved drugs.

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Liam Payne died at the age of 31 on WednesdayCredit: AFP

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White powder and burnt aluminium foil were allegedly found inside Liam’s hotel room

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Emergency crews at the hotel in ArgentinaCredit: Getty

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Liam pictured with his One Direction bandmates in 2013Credit: The Mega Agency
It is understood cops are hunting for a drug dealer who could have supplied illegal substances

Liam’s phone, which was removed from his hotel room, will be key to determining who may have supplied any drugs.

His phone could also reveal what happened to the 31-year-old before he fell to his death in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

Police say there is no sign of a third party being involved in dad-of-one Liam’s death.

Cops discovered “what appeared to be narcotics, alcohol, destroyed objects and furniture” in his room at the Hotel CasaSur in Palermo.

Photos published by Argentine media showed white powder, burnt aluminium foil and a smashed TV screen inside his room.

It comes as…

Forensic teams reported that a whiskey bottle, lighter and mobile phone were retrieved from the building’s internal courtyard where Liam’s body was found.

But cops are yet to confirm what the substances found in the room are and are due to run tests on them shortly.

One Direction stars break silence & make heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne after ex-bandmate dies in tragic hotel fall
The singer had been open about his battles with addiction in the past.

A final 911 call from hotel staff on Wednesday revealed they needed “urgent assistance” from cops to help with a guest “behaving erratically”.

Argentinian police said staff reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.

Recordings from the 911 calls made by the head of reception show them reporting “a guest who is destroying everything in his room”.

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Liam fell from a third floor balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos AiresCredit: AFP

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Fans pay tribute to the star outside the CasaSur HotelCredit: Getty
In a second appeal for help the receptionist said: “We need you to send someone urgently because I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger.

“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.”

Liam – who was in Buenos Aires for a holiday after going to see pal Niall Horan’s tour – was found dead in the hotel’s inner courtyard at around 5pm local time (9pm UK time).

His death was confirmed as soon as ambulance crews arrived.

Officials have said “everything indicates” that he was alone when he died and could have been partly or fully unconscious when he fell.

A full toxicology report is still pending and could take weeks to become public.

The prosecutor said that the autopsy showed internal bleeding and 25 traumatic injuries to his skull, limbs and abdomen, consistent with a fall.

One Direction statements in full

We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. 

But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.

We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.

Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.

“Thank you for shaping us Liam.

“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.

“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”

Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.

“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.

“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”

He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.

“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.

“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.

“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.

And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.

“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.

“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.

“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.

“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.

“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”

It said those injuries alone were enough to cause his death.

A lack of defensive injuries on his hands indicated that he may have fallen into a state of unconsciousness, the public prosecutor said.

Last night, his former One Direction bandmates shared an emotional joint tribute.

Liam shot to fame alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik as part of One Direction after auditioning for X Factor in 2010 aged just 14.

They became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time before going their separate ways in 2016.

A statement from the band read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.

“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.

“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”

Tributes to Liam Payne

SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.

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.

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 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.”

James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.

The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.

“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”

Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.

She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.

“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.

Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.