Liam Payne's father, Geoff, has vowed to remain in Argentina until his son's body can be released, following the former One Direction star's tragic death last week.
The 31-year-old singer fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires on October 16, suffering multiple traumas that led to his immediate death.
Preliminary toxicology reports have revealed traces of cocaine and other substances in Payne's system, complicating the investigation.
Argentine authorities have informed his dad that it could take up to 10 days for the full examination results to be confirmed, delaying the repatriation of Payne's body to the UK.
Despite the challenging circumstances and fresh blow to the family, Geoff has pledged to "do right by Liam" and refuses to leave without his son.
The investigation into Payne's death is ongoing, with police returning to the hotel six days after the incident to collect CCTV footage. Boxes labelled "CCTV" were removed from the premises, as authorities aim to trace everyone present during Payne's stay.
Geoff Payne arrived in Argentina last week
GETTY
Preliminary toxicology results suggest the presence of cocaine, but officials stress that these initial findings do not provide an accurate measure of the substance in his bloodstream at the time of death.
The Prosecutor's Office is conducting expert analysis on mobile phones, computers, and security cameras, a process requiring "longer analysis time".
Additionally, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office stated that the reconstruction of events, involving statements from hotel staff and medical professionals, is "still ongoing".
The final toxicology results are not expected to be made public for several weeks.
Liam Payne tributes have been laid outside the hotel where he died
GETTY
Tributes have poured in for Payne following his untimely death. His former One Direction bandmates Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles have all shared heartfelt messages.
His ex-partner Cheryl, mother of his seven-year-old son Bear, criticised "abhorrent" media coverage and reminded everyone that "we have lost a human being". She shared a poignant black and white image of Payne with Bear on Instagram.
Payne's sisters Nicola and Ruth also posted emotional tributes, with Nicola calling him an "angel who just lived for making people smile".
The Payne family released a statement saying they were "heartbroken" and that Payne would "forever live in our hearts".
Cheryl also spoke of the devastating impact on their son Bear, who now faces "the reality of never seeing his father again".
Geoff Payne was seen visiting the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, where he viewed floral tributes and notes left for his late son. The 66-year-old motor mechanic has reportedly spoken with hotel staff and police investigating the death.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Liam Payne died after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaGettyFriends claim that the singer had recently got clean and was working with a new psychiatrist in Miami, hoping to start a fresh life with girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
However, it's alleged that drug dealers in Buenos Aires targeted the singer, delivering substances to his hotel room.
Argentine authorities are treating the case as an 'inconclusive death' and continue to search for the dealer who supplied Payne on the night of his passing.
The investigation has expanded to include analysis of all guests, visitors, and employees present during Payne's stay at the hotel.
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