What is polytrauma? Liam Payne's medical cause of death confirmed by UK authorities

Singer Liam Payne, a former member of the globally renowned boyband One Direction, passed away on October 16, 2024, after a tragic fall from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His medical cause of death has been officially determined as "polytrauma," according to a UK inquest held at Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court on December 17, 2024, as per the BBC reports.

The hearing revealed that the 31-year-old succumbed to multiple traumatic injuries, a condition often caused by severe impact events such as falls or car accidents.

Polytrauma refers to multiple traumatic injuries sustained simultaneously across various body parts and organ systems. It is often life-threatening and requires immediate and intensive medical care.

According to the NHS, such injuries can include visible issues like fractures or heavy bleeding and less apparent conditions like memory loss or confusion. Diagnosis typically involves X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the extent of internal damage.

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The circumstances surrounding Liam Payne’s death

Liam Payne’s fatal accident occurred at Casa Sur Palermo, a boutique hotel in Buenos Aires. On the afternoon of October 16, his body was discovered on the hotel's internal patio. A post-mortem examination identified "multiple trauma" and "internal and external hemorrhage" as the primary causes of death.

Toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in Payne's system, suggesting he was in a state of partial or total unconsciousness during the fall. Prosecutors ruled out suicide, concluding that Payne likely did not act voluntarily or with full awareness.

Five individuals have been charged in Argentina in connection with Liam Payne's death. The hotel's manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend Roger Nores are charged with manslaughter. Additionally, a hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra, and a waiter Braian Paiz have been charged with supplying drugs to Payne.

The presiding judge, Laura Bruniard, criticized Nores and the hotel staff for their alleged negligence, stating they failed in their duty of care. The judge acknowledged that while the suspects did not intend for Payne to die, their actions created a "legally disapproved risk."

According to prosecutors, Nores left Liam Payne alone despite being aware of his substance abuse struggles. However, Nores refuted these claims, asserting that he had visited Payne three times on the day of the incident and left him in good spirits.

As per BBC, the inquest at Buckinghamshire Coroner's Court confirmed Payne’s medical cause of death as "polytrauma," as reported by Dr. Roberto Victor Cohen. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler explained that while investigations continue in Argentina, the UK inquest would address additional details once the required information is formally obtained through the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.

The inquest has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review scheduled for November 6, 2025.

Liam Payne rose to fame in the early 2010s as a member of One Direction, a boyband formed on the UK talent show The X Factor. The group achieved international success before going on an indefinite hiatus in January 2016.

Liam Payne's funeral took place in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in November 2024. Attendees included his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, former partner Cheryl, with whom he shares a son, and his One Direction bandmates—Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik.