What is Clonazepam? Benzodiazepine medication explored as police reveal what they found in Liam Payne's hotel room

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Local law enforcement officials found his hotel room in disarray and reportedly found alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and prescription drug clonazepam, among other items.

"Everything indicates that the musician was alone when the fall occurred, and was going through some kind of episode due to substance abuse," the prosecutors office said as per Reuters.

According to drugs.com, Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the functioning of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The medicine is reportedly used to treat seizure disorders. The drug further controls epilepsy, as well as involuntary muscle spasms and panic disorders.

The website also detailed the side effects of the medicine. According to drugs.com, usage of the drug can lead to slowing down or even stopping breathing. This is reportedly more likely to happen if the user has also consumed alcohol, other drugs, or opioid medication.

"City police who surveyed the scene found substances inside the room that at first glance - and pending confirmation from the experts - would be narcotics and alcoholic beverages, as well as several destroyed objects and furniture," the prosecutors office added.

It is currently being investigated whether Payne consumed any narcotics or other substances before his death. According to Reuters, the late singer previously discussed his issues with mental health publicly and his use of alcohol to cope with fame-related stress.

Authorities further revealed that the scene was reportedly quite chaotic, with several items smashed inside the room. They also reported noticing items scattered all across the room. The Buenos Aires police also stated that they found a bottle of whiskey, a lighter, and a cell phone beside the body.

According to cops, they also found energy pills in Payne's hotel room, along with a notebook and the singer's passport. It has been reported that cops initially got complaints from the hotel authorities about an "aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol."

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Autopsy report revealed that Liam Payne had died of "multiple traumas"

As the former One Direction member passed away, law enforcement officials revealed details surrounding his death. After discovering a trashed hotel room with scattered medicines all around, authorities conducted an autopsy on the late artist.

According to the autopsy report, Liam Payne had sustained "multiple traumas," which then led to "internal and external bleeding." The Mirror reported that preliminary findings were consistent with the artist having a ten-meter fall from the balcony.

The outlet further reported that Prosecutor No. 16, headed by Andrés Madrea, is carrying on the investigation surrounding Liam Payne's demise. Deputy Secretary María Florencia Lavagg is in charge of taking testimonies. A full-fledged autopsy report is yet to be determined.

Authorities have also confirmed that a toxicological and anatomical-pathological study of his blood and urine would be conducted to confirm traces of the substance in his body.

According to Argentina's biggest newspaper, La Nacion, there was burned foil and wax in the bathtub in Payne's hotel room.

Meanwhile, the late singer's family has issued a statement, as reported by The Mirror, where they said:

"We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

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As per Unilad reports, Liam Payne was in Argentina with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, attending Niall Horan's concert, who was also a One Direction member.

Fans and other artists have flooded the internet with tributes and condolences after the singer's demise.