Three charged in connection with Liam Payne's death

Three individuals have been charged in relation to the death of One Direction singer Liam Payne, who tragically fell from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last month, Argentine authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Payne, 31, was found dead after a fall from his hotel balcony, and an autopsy revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system.

Authorities have charged a suspected drug dealer, a hotel employee who may have supplied Payne with cocaine, and an individual close to the singer. The latter is charged with "abandonment of a person followed by death."

A hotel worker had reported that Payne was acting aggressively the day of his death and appeared to be under the influence of substances.

Investigators claim the hotel employee provided cocaine to Payne at least twice during his stay, while the suspected drug dealer allegedly supplied the singer with the drug two days before his death.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to unlock Payne's broken laptop, which may provide further insight into the circumstances of his death. Witnesses reported seeing Payne smashing the laptop in the hotel lobby shortly before his passing.

Payne’s body was returned to England over the weekend, and his father, Geoff Payne, has been seen at the hotel alongside a bodyguard.

Authorities have prohibited those charged from leaving the country as the investigation continues.