Liam Payne police probe potential 'Cristal drug' use before tragic Buenos Aires fall

Police in Argentina are investigating whether Liam Payne may have been under the influence of a drug known to cause psychotic episodes and hallucinations when he plunged to his death, according to reports.

The 31-year-old singer died after falling from the balcony at CasaSur hotel on Wednesday evening (October 16). Earlier that day, the singer was witnessed acting strangely, prompting Buenos Aires law enforcement to investigate if he was under the influence of drugs.

Sources within the police department disclosed to TMZ that Liam's behaviour was suggestive of someone who had taken Cristal - a potent stimulant often linked to severe mood disturbances and aggressive behaviour - but there has been no official confirmation of the substance's presence in his hotel room. Investigations are ongoing and awaiting the full results from examinations of drugs and medication recovered from the scene, Yorkshire Live reports.

READ MORE: Full timeline of Liam Payne's final days and moments before tragic death

In the wake of the incident, photographs from inside Liam's hotel accommodation depicted disarray including white powder residue, crumpled tin foil, and a shattered TV screen. No formal statement or conclusive proof has been provided by authorities to substantiate or dismiss these claims.

The initial post mortem findings performed on Wednesday night pointed to Liam having suffered extensive multiple injuries, such as a skull fracture which caused "internal and external haemorrhaging", reports the Irish Mirror.

In a transcript of a harrowing 911 call made by hotel staff, the hotel manager can be heard urgently explaining to emergency services: "We have a guest who's off his head on drugs and is destroying everything in his room.