Liam Payne's toxicology report confirms shockingly high alcohol percentage
What's the story
The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 14 has unveiled new details about late singer Liam Payne's state at the time of his death.
The report noted that the former One Direction member had "alcohol concentrations of up to 2.7gm per liter in blood at his time of death."
This level translates to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.27%, which could cause confusion, feeling dazed, and disorientation, Alcohol.com states.
Toxicology findings
Payne's system also contained cocaine metabolites, prescription medication
Along with alcohol, the report revealed that Payne's system also had "cocaine metabolites, methylecgonine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene and the medication sertraline."
These findings corroborate a prior toxicology report which had found "alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants" in his body in the 72 hours preceding his death.
The 31-year-old singer lost his life after falling off a balcony at CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Argentina on October 16.
Legal proceedings
Drug supply prosecution confirmed in Payne's case
The press release also confirmed the prosecution of Braian Paiz for supplying drugs for financial gain, despite his earlier denial.
The decision was based on evidence such as security camera footage and a police report.
The footage showed Payne asking for money at the hotel reception on arrival, while the police report said all inhabitants at Paiz's address relied on selling narcotic material as their main source of income.
Evidence review
Text messages between Payne and Paiz examined
Further evidence was found in the text messages exchanged between Payne and Paiz.
In one message, Paiz told Payne that the drugs would be "a gift" and invited him to come later if he wanted.
To this, Payne responded, "I have 100 US dollars."
These findings were included in a thorough toxicology test on urine, blood, and vitreous humor conducted by the prosecutor's office.
Legal Update
Charges dropped against Payne's friend, hotel employees
In related news, charges were dropped against Payne's friend Roger Nores and CasaSur Palermo Hotel employees Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi. They were charged with manslaughter in December but were cleared following a proceeding in Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Court.
However, Ezequiel Pereyra and Paiz remain in prison awaiting trial for allegedly selling drugs to Payne. If found guilty, they could face four to 14 years behind bars.