Former One Direction star Liam Payne’s medical cause of death has been confirmed as “polytrauma” in a UK inquest opening.
The hearing, which was held at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court on December 17, was told it may take “some time” to ascertain how the 31-year-old died.
Dr Roberto Victor Cohen confirmed the cause as polytrauma, which refers to multiple traumatic injuries.
The singer and entertainer was formally identified with the assistance of funeral directors in Buckinghamshire.
Five people have been charged over Payne’s death after he fell from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The charges came after Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office investigated the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident occurred when police responded to an emergency call from the hotel manager about “an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol”.
The investigation revealed that several medications and energy supplements were found in his room, including clonazepam, with a whiskey bottle discovered in the courtyard where his body was recovered.
Three people have been charged with manslaughter in connection with Payne’s death, including hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi and Payne’s friend Roger Nores.
Two additional individuals face charges related to supplying cocaine – hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz.
Liam Payne’s cause of death has been confirmed as “polytrauma”
PA
The inquest into Payne’s death in the UK has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review on November 6, the coroner’s court said.
Senior Coroner Crispin Butler addressed the ongoing investigations during the hearing.
“Whilst there are ongoing investigations in Argentina into the circumstances of Liam’s death, over which I have no legal jurisdiction, it is anticipated that procuring the relevant information to address particularly how Liam came by his death may take some time,” he said.
The information will need to be gathered through formal channels of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Payne’s funeral was held in November in Buckinghamshire, drawing together family, friends and former bandmates.
The service was attended by Cheryl Tweedy, the mother of his son Bear.
Cheryl was among the mourners at Liam Payne’s funeral
PA
All of his One Direction bandmates – Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson – were present to pay their respects.
The funeral took place at Saint Mary’s Church in Amersham, bringing together those closest to the singer.