Liam Payne’s Family Accepts Court of Appeal’s Decision to Drop Charges Related to His Death

Liam Payne’s family has issued a statement following a court’s decision to drop charges related to the singer’s tragic death last year.

“Liam’s death was an unspeakable tragedy,” his family wrote in a joint statement released on Sunday, March 2, per the BBC. “This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him. Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him. Instead, Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother and all of Liam’s friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear.”

Payne died in October 2024 after falling from a balcony at the CasaSure Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31. The former One Direction member is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen, older sisters Ruth and Nicola, and his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he shared with ex Cheryl Cole.

Last month, Argentina’s Court of Appeals ruled to drop manslaughter charges against Payne’s friend, Rogelio “Roger” Nores, as well as two workers at the hotel where the incident took place.

“We understand that the investigation into Liam’s death was absolutely necessary, and the family recognises the work done by the Argentinian authorities,” Payne’s family continued. “However, the family accepts the Court of Appeal’s decision to drop all charges.”

However, two men accused of selling Payne drugs on the night he died — Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Nahuel Paiz — remain behind bars while they await trial. Paiz was charged in December 2024 with allegedly selling Payne drugs, and Us Weekly confirmed in January 2025 that he was arrested and could face up to 15 years in prison.

“The constant media attention and speculation which has accompanied the process has exacted indescribable, lasting damage on the family, particularly on Liam’s son who is trying to process emotions which no seven-year-old should have to experience,” the family’s statement continued, criticizing the media frenzy surrounding the star’s death.

They said, “The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so.”

Payne’s family, however, praised the 2025 Brit Awards for their tribune of the star on Saturday, March 1, with an emotional In Memoriam segment presented by Payne’s friend, comedian Jack Whitehall.

“This weekend, at the Brit Awards, Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over,” the statement continued. “We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world. Liam, you are so loved and missed.”