Buenos Aires police officers told TMZ their operating theory is that the former One Direction star was potentially high on an illegal drug known in Argentina as cristal - a dangerous substance that "causes users to experience extreme highs and extreme lows, often making them aggressive".
Photos of Payne's destroyed hotel room were released after his death. The images showed what appeared to be a wooden dresser covered in burn marks, white powder, pieces of tin foil and a burnt tea light candle.
Although police have said Payne's behaviour was consistent with that of cristal users, they are still waiting for test results on the narcotics and medications recovered from the scene.
Zayn Malik has postponed his U.S. tour following the death Wednesday of his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne.
“Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour,” the British singer posted on social media Saturday. “The dates are being rescheduled for January and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding.”
Payne, 31, died Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Argentine authorities said local police found drugs, alcohol and “destroyed objects and furniture” in Payne’s room, adding that he “may have fallen in a state of semi- or total unconsciousness.”
Payne’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans of One Direction and his fellow members of the U.K. boy band, including Malik, who wrote, “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain what I’d give just to hug you one last time.” The band also shared a group statement: “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.” (Los Angeles Times report)
