Hotel staff called emergency services twice before Argentinian singer Liam Payne fell to his death from a balcony.
A caller who appeared to be the chief receptionist said they had a guest who had taken “too many drugs and alcohol” and “made a mess” in the room, before the call was hung up on.
In a second call, the same caller warned the guest of “potential life-threatening danger” because the room had a balcony and asked the 911 operator to send someone “urgent.”
Medical staff and local authorities were dispatched to the Casa Sur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, where the former One Direction star had been staying.
After police arrived, Payne fell from the balcony.
The following transcript is a translation from a Spanish-language recording of the call obtained by the BBC.
Call Handler: 911 What is your emergency?
Caller: Hello.
911 What is your emergency?
Hello and good afternoon, I’m calling you from Casa Sur Palermo in Costa Rica. [St] 6032.
6032? Is it between Kramer? [St] and…
Yes, that’s right, between Arevalo [St] and dorego [St]. So, we had a guest who overdosed on drugs and left the room a mess. Um, so we need someone to come.
Got it, so you tell me [he] Is it aggressive? Sir, could you tell me the name of the hotel again? gentlemen?
Call Handler: 911 What is your emergency?
Caller: Hi, nice day, I just called and got hung up on. I’m calling from Hotel Casa Sur in Palermo, Costa Rica [St] 6032.
Sir, what happened in that place?
Well, we have a guest who’s on drugs and alcohol and when he’s sober, he’s messing up the whole room and we need you to send someone over.
He was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, wasn’t he, sir?
Yes, correct.
Where would you say Costa Rica Street is?
Costa Rica 6032.
Is this between Arevalo and Kramer?
Yes.
You said this is a hotel? What is it called?
Casa Sur Palermo, we need you to send someone urgently because, well, I don’t know if his life is in danger, the guest’s life. He lives in a room with a balcony, well we are a little worried about him…
When has he been here or is this an extended stay hotel?
He has been here for two or three days.
Got it, since you can’t get in, you won’t know any other details, right?
No.
We’ll also notify the same (medical emergency) staff, right?
Yeah, what I’m asking for is for someone to come here urgently, because, well…
We have informed about the same. Any other details you can provide. Who are you and are you in charge?
I’m the chief receptionist.
Responsible location?
Yes, yes.
We have now reported this matter. Sir, what’s your name?
Esteban.
We have already reported it.
OK
Thank you for your call. The line is now free.
Will you send the police too or not?
The police and the local – wait a minute – the local authorities and the same.
No, no, just the same. Same.
Got it, don’t worry, we’ve already reported it.
Yes, perfect, thank you very much.
you told me [the guest] Being under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and the same does not happen alone.
Won’t SAME go in alone? Okay, okay.
no [been] report [to the police] in spite of. If the police come, please explain [what’s going on] If they need the same thing, they call them.
Very good, okay. Perfect.
We have reported, have a nice day sir.
OK, thanks, same as you.
