According to hotel staff who made the call, Payne was found unresponsive on the floor of his suite at the upscale Beverly Hills Hotel shortly before 11 pm on August 17th. The caller, who wished to remain anonymous, described a scene of chaos as Payne’s friends and family frantically attempted to revive him.

“I kept telling them I didn’t know what had happened,” the caller said. “But he was barely breathing and his face was pale. It was horrible.”

Paramedics rushed Payne to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has ruled his death an accident, citing multiple blunt force injuries as the cause.

The 999 call has sparked fresh speculation about the circumstances leading up to Payne’s tragic end. Toxicology reports are still pending, but witnesses at the hotel have suggested that Payne had been drinking heavily in the hours before his fall.

“He was definitely slurring his words,” said one guest who encountered Payne earlier that evening. “I’m not sure if he was drunk or on something else, but he didn’t seem like himself.”

Experts in addiction and mental health caution that the factors contributing to substance abuse and suicide are complex and often intertwined.

“It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease,” said Dr. Anne Marie Albano, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction recovery. “Individuals struggling with substance abuse often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that can lead to self-destructive behaviors.”

The release of the 999 call has sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond. Fellow One Direction member Harry Styles expressed his profound sadness and offered his condolences to Payne’s family and friends.

“Liam was a kind and talented soul,” Styles said in a statement. “I can’t believe he’s gone.”

The aftermath of Payne’s death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health issues.

“It’s crucial that individuals and their loved ones have access to resources and support to address these challenges,” said Dr. Albano. “Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction is essential to saving lives.”