Jake Kanter
Hotel staff raised the alarm about Liam Payne‘s apparently erratic behavior moments before his death, 911 calls have revealed.
A receptionist at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, notified police that Payne’s life was in danger, according to a recording of two emergency calls verified by the BBC, CNN, and Sky News.
The hotel alleged that Payne was intoxicated on drugs and alcohol, and had been trashing his room at the time of the disturbance. Staff called for urgent assistance.
The One Direction singer fell from a third-floor balcony and died after suffering a serious skull fracture. He was just 31. Tributes have been paid to Payne from across the music and entertainment industries.
In a statement, his family 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.”
Below is a full transcript of the 911 call, per BBC News.
Call handler: 911 where’s your emergency?
Caller: Hello.
911 what’s your emergency?
Hello, good afternoon, look I’m calling you from the hotel CasaSur Palermo, which is located in Costa Rica [St] 6032.
6032? Is that between Cramer [St] and…
Yes, that’s correct it’s between Arévalo [St] and Dorrego [St]. So, we have a guest who is high on drugs and who is trashing the room. Erm, so we need someone to come.
Understood, so you’re telling me [he] is being aggressive? Sir, can you please repeat the name of the hotel? Sir?
The line cuts out and a second call is established
911 where’s your emergency?
Caller: Hello, good day, I just called but got cut off. I’m calling from the hotel CasaSur Palermo, Costa Rica [St] 6032.
What’s happening at that location, sir?
Well, we’ve got a guest who has had too many drugs and alcohol and, well, when he is conscious he is trashing the entire room and we need you to send someone, please.
He is under the effect of alcohol and drugs, is he, sir?
Yes, correct.
You said Costa Rica St at which location?
Costa Rica 6032.
That’s between Arévalo and Cramer?
Yes.
You said it’s a hotel? What’s it called?
CasaSur Palermo, and we need you to send someone urgently because, well, I don’t know whether his life may be in danger, the guest’s life. He is in a room with a balcony and well, we’re a little afraid that he…
Since when has he been there or is this a long-stay hotel?
He’s been here for two or three days.
Understood, you wouldn’t know any other details because you can’t get in, right?
No.
We’ll notify the SAME (medical emergency) staff as well, yes?
Yes, what I’m asking is for someone to come urgently because, well…
We’ve notified SAME. Any other details you can provide. Who are you, are you in charge?
I am the chief receptionist.
In charge at the location?
Yes, yes.
We’ve now reported this. What’s your name, sir?
Esteban.
We’ve reported it.
Ok.
Thanks for calling, you can free up the line now.
Are you sending the police as well or not?
The police and the local – wait give me a second – the local authorities and the SAME.
No, no, just the SAME. Just the SAME.
Understood, don’t worry, we’ve reported it.
Yes, perfect, many thanks.
You told me that [the guest] is under the influence of drugs and alcohol and the SAME doesn’t go in alone.
The SAME doesn’t go in alone? Ok, ok.
No, it’s [been] reported [to the police] regardless. If the police arrives you explain [what’s going on] and if they need the SAME, they call them.
Good, ok. Perfect.
We’ve made the report, have a good day, sir.
Good, thanks, same to you.