Their mosque burned down in LA-area wildfire. They’re still determined to gather for Ramadan

PASADENA, California (AP) — All that remains of Masjid Al-Taqwa is a sign that bears its name.

The mosque in Altadena, which served a tight-knit Muslim community for 42 years, burned to the ground in one of the Los Angeles area’s deadliest fires in January — leaving the congregation heartbroken and without a place to pray and break their upcoming Ramadan fast together.

With that weighing on their minds, about 20 mosque members and a few connected families met on a recent Saturday at a local Islamic school to pray and share a meal, their first together since the fire. Many who came are living in motels or with family after losing their homes in the Eaton fire, which killed 17 people and scorched thousands of homes and over 14,000 acres across Los Angeles County.

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With Ramadan just days a way, their volunteer imam, Junaid Aasi, had good news to share. Clad in a white robe, black jacket and prayer cap, he walked onto the plush blue prayer rugs and placed a small karaoke machine in the middle of the multipurpose room at New Horizon Islamic School.

Aasi announced the school was offering this space for four nights each week during Ramadan. There were gasps of relief, and utterances of “Alhamdulillah,” an Arabic phrase that means “praise be to God.”

Aasi said many in the community have been anxious about Ramadan and having this room, even if only for some days each week, is a blessing.

“Ramadan is not only a time when we pray and eat together, but we also help and support each other and others in the community,” he said. “This year, with so many who have lost so much, it’s going to be more important than ever.”

The imam, with a secular job as an IT professional, has volunteered at the mosque for the past 25 years. He has been revisited the property since the fire. Sometimes, he says, he can still see everything the way it was when he closes his eyes.

The place where people would perform wudu — the ritual washing of hands, feet and face before coming in to pray. The thick carpets where they prayed. Copies of the holy Quran. A fig tree outside.

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“I still can’t believe it’s all gone,” Aasi said.

He said many members are still displaced and hurting emotionally.

“One member just texted me that they were on their way here but stopped to check out their (burned) home,” Aasi said. They were so overwhelmed, he added, that they couldn’t bring themselves to the gathering.

Aaron Abdus-Shakoor, one of the mosque’s founders and current board president, lost his home, the building that housed his real estate business and several investment properties around Altadena. He said the mosque, which began in the 1970s as a meeting place for Nation of Islam members, evolved into a mainstream, multicultural Muslim community. It was called the Pasadena-Altadena Daawa Center until members in 1997 renamed it Masjid Al-Taqwa, which means “pious and god-conscious.”

“All these years, we’ve been good citizens,” Abdus-Shakoor said. “We’ve always kept our doors open and have tried to be a positive influence in the community.”

In the early days, the communal Ramadan celebration only happened on Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month, he said. But for many years now, members have hosted a daily community iftar, the evening meal during Ramadan, which breaks the day-long fast.

For many, the mosque has been a second home.

Salah Eddine Benatia, an Algerian immigrant, has only been in the country three months. He discovered Al-Taqwa online and had been riding the bus from Pasadena for prayers.

“I felt so warmly welcomed by this community,” he said. “I miss home a lot especially around Ramadan. I was so sad when I heard the mosque burned down. Being here gives me a sense of being with family.”

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Farzana Asaduzzaman, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2016, said Ramadan at the mosque has always been “a family affair.”

“Everyone brings food, we fast, we break our fast together,” she said. “The kids would play Uno, make arts and crafts, and assemble Eid gift bags. We would put up heaters in the outside area, sit down, sip hot chai and talk for hours.”

Asaduzzaman, her husband and their three children, ages 14, 10 and 3, lost their home in the fire as well. They spent two and a half years renovating the property before it burned down.

“Our masjid may be gone and our neighborhood may be gone, but our community is strong,” she said. “This is our support system. We’ll be together for Ramadan, no matter where it is. We’ll find a place where we can see our kids run around and where we can gather and be together again.”

For Mohammed AlDajani, a second-year medical student, the mosque was a five-minute walk from his condo, which was also lost in the fire. For AlDajani, who had no relatives or friends nearby, the mosque fulfilled the need for social and spiritual nourishment.

“The masjid was actually a nice incentive for me to move here,” he said. “It’s a place that has helped ground me in this community.”

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AlDajani said, unlike many mosques he has attended, Masjid Al-Taqwa’s members represent many nationalities and ethnicities — Arab, African American, Afghan, Indian, Bangladeshi, Turkish and North African among them.

“I found that very unique,” he said.

Last year was his first Ramadan in Southern California. The mosque’s youth painted a mural of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, a disputed holy site that has become a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a Palestinian American, AlDajani said the community project touched him profoundly at a time when his heart was broken by the suffering of those in Gaza.

He said he learned about the Altadena mosque’s destruction even before he found out his home was gone.

“It’s just like my chest sank when I saw the images,” AlDajani said. “It was difficult because I was there for morning and night prayers every day. It was my little haven. It doesn’t feel right, having that empty space there.”

As he tries to find a place to rent, AlDajani says the mosque community has been “keeping him afloat.”

“Our prayer group still meets on the weekends,” he said. “I was anxious about Ramadan. It’s nice to know we’ll still be able to gather and pray, and this haven will still exist.”

Sakeenah Ali’s children, who attended Elliott Magnet Middle School across the street from the mosque, lost their school in the fire.

“They would hear the afternoon call to prayer from their school, which was very special,” she said, adding that she went out and saw the mosque burn and the parking lot covered in ash.

“Cars were on fire, trees were smoldering,” Ali recalled. “You could hear explosions everywhere – boom, boom.”

But she believes that her community is resilient.

“The key is to keep showing up,” Ali said. “Make sure we have our prayer time, stay connected and be consistent. We are going to rebuild.”

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

7 Innovations Revolutionizing Health and Fitness Today

Strap in, folks! We’re diving into a realm where fitness meets futuristic technology—a dynamic duo that promises to unleash your potential. Welcome to the world where health innovation transforms lives, one groundbreaking advancement at a time.

Gene Therapy for Blindness: A Visionary Leap

Imagine a future where blindness is put under the microscope—gene therapy is stepping up as a game-changer in combating childhood blindness. By transplanting healthy genes directly into the eyes, scientists aren’t just restoring sight; they’re transplanting hope. This revolutionary technique shifts paradigms, offering more than just a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

Wearable Tech: Tracking Success in Real Time

In today’s tech-first lifestyle, fitness trackers aren’t just mere gadgets—they’re your 24/7 personal cheerleader. Gearing up every step you take, they’re a constant reminder that every move counts. By recording victories and keeping motivation on track, these devices keep you in the loop with real-time progress updates.

Meal Planning Apps: Your Nutrition Navigator

Picture yourself as the captain of your wellness ship—meal planning apps are your trusty charts, helping you set course for nutritious destinations. With these digital allies, you’re no longer adrift in a sea of fast food and bad choices. Instead, you’re steering toward healthier shores.

Virtual Workouts: Redefining Exercise Space

Who says exercise has to be confined to the gym’s walls? Enter virtual workouts, where your living room transforms into a fitness sanctuary. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or a HIIT devotee—these digital sessions break the monotony and redefine the space for an exhilarating sweat session.

Mindfulness Apps: Mental Resilience on Demand

In a world that never stops, calm technology is a must-have. Mindfulness apps extend mental tools whenever stress knocks at your door. These apps help you gear up for life’s challenges with serenity—ensuring mental resilience is just a tap away.

3D Printing in Orthopedics: Tailored Solutions for Mobility

Customization meets healthcare in the form of 3D-printed orthoses, paving the way to mobility miracles. This innovative approach crafts tailored solutions for each individual, empowering those who seek freedom of movement.

Telemedicine: Healthcare from the Comfort of Your Home

Imagine a healthcare service that prioritizes your comfort—telemedicine is revolutionizing doctor visits without the magazines in waiting rooms. This digital healthcare approach delivers expert advice and medical consultations straight to your living room.

So there you have it—a tour of how health and fitness innovations are reimagining potential. Whether it’s through physical transformation, virtual motivation, or precise medical interventions, the future is bright—and it’s here, paving the way for a healthier, smarter you.

6 Ways Vaccines Safeguard Your Health and Community

In today’s fast-paced world, taking control of your health is more crucial than ever. As we gear up for the twists and turns of life, understanding and embracing the power of immunization can be your steadfast ally—protecting both you and your community. Let’s put the essentials under the microscope.

First, arm yourself with knowledge. Understanding how vaccines work and the diseases they prevent is like having a road map—each fact a stepping stone to empowerment. Next, keep your finger on the pulse of recommended vaccine schedules. Timeliness isn’t just a suggestion—it’s key to ensuring your defenses are robust and ready.

But here’s the kicker: vaccination isn’t a solo venture. Embrace the concept of herd immunity. By rolling up your sleeve, you’re not just shielding yourself—you’re a guardian for those who can’t be vaccinated, such as infants or those with compromised immune systems. Together, we form an unyielding shield.

In a world where misinformation lurks, your role as a truth champion matters. Arm yourself with credible information from trusted sources, and don’t shy away from dispelling myths. Truth isn’t just a weapon—it’s a gift you share with your community.

Need guidance? Turn to your healthcare professionals. Their advice isn’t just important—it’s invaluable. They’re the navigators in this journey to health, guiding you with expertise and care.

And if adventure calls you abroad, prepare meticulously. International travel might hold wonders, but each destination might require different vaccinations. Stay one step ahead and protect your health wherever you roam.

Finally, recognize the benefits of vaccines stretch beyond health. They prevent disease outbreaks, reduce healthcare costs, and safeguard economic stability. Immunity isn’t just a shield—it’s a cornerstone of thriving communities.

As we continue to navigate life’s dynamic landscape, let vaccination be the steadfast anchor that keeps you and your community safe. Let’s gear up for a future where health is not just a goal—it’s a promise fulfilled through action and care.

10 Habits to Banish Insomnia and Sleep Better

Ah, sleep—nature’s nightly recharge! Yet, too many of us find ourselves tossing, turning, and counting sheep until the early hours. If you’re banging your head against the wall trying to get a good night’s sleep, maybe it’s time to shake things up. Here are ten habits to help you sleep soundly.

Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Set the scene for better sleep by locking in a consistent schedule. When your head hits the pillow and your eyes open at the same time every day, your body’s natural rhythm gears up—syncing internal clocks with external cues. It’s a simple yet stunning change.

Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment

Your sleep sanctuary shouldn’t look like a Broadway stage. Dim those lights, lower the volume, and drown out distractions. An inviting, cozy cocoon of calm tells your brain it’s time to shut down.

Limit Exposure to Blue Light

Glued to tech gadgets before bed? Their blue light turns into a night owl. Power down an hour before sleep—give those peepers a break.

Relaxation Techniques Before Bed

Tension knots up your chances of sleeping well. Put muscles at ease with some evening yoga, calming breaths, or visualizing serene scenes.

Watch Your Caffeine Intake

Afternoon joe fix? Think twice! Caffeine hangs around like an unwanted guest, keeping you wide-eyed when you should be sawing logs.

Limit Daytime Naps

Napping for hours can turn nighttime sleep into a showdown. If you must nap, keep it short—20 minutes is your golden ticket.

Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Move more, sleep better. Exercise isn’t just for the biceps—it’s a boon for your slumber, too. Get moving for deeper, faster sleep.

Mindful Journaling

No more midnight mind races! Let thoughts spill onto paper before bed—clear your mind and wave goodbye to nighttime overthinking.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Your plate helps dictate your pillow time. Balanced meals keep hormones in check and energy steady, paving the path to peaceful nights.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If insomnia continues to run the show, it might be time to call in the experts. Chronic sleep struggles deserve a pro’s insight—don’t shy away from getting help.

There you have it—ten habits that transform bedtime into a dream come true. Harness these strategies to rid yourself of sleepless nights and emerge each morning refreshed, revitalized, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.

Build Your Fortress: Strength as the Ultimate Currency

In an ever-evolving world where uncertainty looms—strength, both mental and physical, emerges as the ultimate currency. As global tensions rise and humanitarian aid finds itself on the chopping block, the importance of fitness and mental resilience cannot be overstated. Just as a well-conditioned athlete gears up for the challenges of a grueling competition, so must we prepare for the unforeseen trials of life.

The metaphorical iron that we lift in the gym, the beads of sweat that race down our backs, and the calculated discipline required to master meal plans—these are not just exercises in vanity. They are the forging of inner steel, the quiet building of resilience to face whatever life throws our way. Imagine your body as a fortress—one that needs constant maintenance, reinforcement, and strategic strengthening to withstand the storms of adversity.

As aid freezes disrupt essential programs and global cries for help often go unanswered, we must take control of the battlegrounds we can influence: our bodies and minds. It starts with simple actions. Shake off the chains of your desk-bound job with regular movement—turn moments of downtime into opportunities for bursts of exercise. Elevate your nutrition. Think of each healthy choice as sharpening your personal arsenal of resilience.

In the midst of chaos, clarity and strength can be your allies. Mental health, often the silent warrior, needs as much nurture as physical training. Engage in activities that root your spirit—meditation, journaling, or even a brisk walk can be the grounding force you need. It’s about crafting a mindset strong enough to weather any storm, providing the mental agility to adapt and overcome.

This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving despite the odds. As we face global challenges that seem insurmountable, remember that each step you take, every weight you lift, and every healthy meal you consume builds a legacy of strength and resilience. Your personal revolution starts now, turning the uncertainty of today into the achievement of tomorrow. Gear up, be proactive, and let your inner fortress stand tall against the winds of change.

Flu Fatalities Surpass COVID: The New Battlefront

Influenza Resurgence: Can We Outsmart the Flu This Season?

As the winds of winter whip across the country, a familiar foe rises from the ashes — influenza. No longer overshadowed by the notorious COVID-19, the flu has clawed back into the spotlight, reminding us that it demands its share of vigilance and respect.

For the first time in five years, flu fatalities have outpaced those from COVID-19, signaling a seismic shift in the landscape of respiratory illnesses. With over 16,000 lives claimed since October alone, influenza is proving it’s not just a cold-season inconvenience but a deadly adversary.

So, how do we face this resurgence head-on? It starts with acknowledging the flu’s formidable return. The H1N1 and H3N2 strains dominate the season, with the latter notorious for laying low even the healthiest among us. Our defenses? Simple yet powerful: vaccines, timely treatment, and a collective attitude adjustment.

Vaccination rates have taken a hit—especially among the young. This lapse leaves millions vulnerable and highlights an urgent need for a cultural shift. It’s time we ditch the narrative that vaccines are optional. Instead, we should view them as an essential shield for all, particularly those at high risk of complications, including pneumonia.

But vaccines are only part of the equation. Early diagnosis can mean the difference between a week in bed or a stay in the hospital. Rapid testing, now more accessible than ever, empowers us to take swift action. The availability of combined flu and COVID tests over the counter adds a new layer of armor in our defense strategy.

Let’s not forget the importance of timely antiviral treatments like oseltamivir. The clock ticks from the moment symptoms appear, and a prompt response can thwart severe illness. Yet, barriers to accessing these life-saving medications persist, demanding attention and action from healthcare leaders.

This season, as you bundle up against the chill, remember the flu’s lurking presence. Stay vigilant, get vaccinated, and embrace a proactive approach toward health. Let’s not allow influenza to tighten its grip—let this winter be the season we outsmart the flu.

Breaking the Chains: Fighting Drug Culture’s Grip

**Unmasking the Shadows: The Societal Toll of Drug Culture**

In a world where the allure of quick solutions and instant escapes tantalizes vulnerable souls, drug culture emerges as a pervasive shadow—craftily weaving its way through the fabric of society. This hidden menace destroys lives, dismantles families, and fractures communities, leaving behind a trail of broken dreams and shattered hope.

**An Insidious Epidemic:**

Drug culture—often glamorized in movies and music—seduces with promises of euphoria, only to grip its victims in chains of addiction. The sobering reality is stark: class A drugs corrode not just the body, but the very essence of one’s being, obliterating potential and eclipsing the promise of a brighter future.

Families, too, feel the sting. As loved ones spiral into the abyss, relationships crumble under the weight of deceit and desperation. The vibrant tapestry of communal life fades as once-thriving neighborhoods turn into battlegrounds for survival—for every drug deal struck is a deal with the devil, one that tarnishes the sanctity of community.

**A Ripple Effect on Society:**

The societal impact of this perilous culture stretches beyond individual lives. Economic burdens soar as healthcare systems are taxed with the fallout of drug abuse. Crime rates ascend, with desperation fueling a cycle of theft, violence, and incarceration. Communities find themselves besieged, their growth stunted by the corrosive presence of drugs.

Yet, amid this bleak landscape, glimmers of hope persist. From grassroots movements advocating for rehabilitation over incarceration, to programs that educate young minds on the perils of drug use, society is pushing back. This battle is waged not just with enforcement, but with compassion, understanding, and unwavering resolve.

**Moving Forward:**

What can we, as a society, do to turn the tide? It begins with awareness—shedding light on the truths of drug culture and its harrowing consequences. Education serves as a powerful weapon, equipping future generations with the knowledge to make informed choices, steering them away from paths of destruction.

Support systems must be strengthened. Families need resources, communities require unity, and individuals demand empathy and guidance. A collective effort is essential to reclaim lives from the grip of addiction and plant seeds of hope in barren fields.

The journey toward a society free from the clutches of drug culture is arduous, but not impossible. With every step, every act of kindness, and every shared story, we edge closer to a world where dreams are nurtured, families are whole, and communities flourish. Let us rise—together, resilient and resolute—against the shadows that seek to divide us.

Alec Baldwin’s reality series: Five things we learned from watching ‘The Baldwins’

Over the past 45 years, we’ve seen Alec Baldwin pretty much everywhere — the movies, stage, “SNL,” “30 Rock,” the front page of the New York Post — but we’ve never seen him here. At home. With the wife and kids (and pets). Also facing jail time.

Therefore, “The Baldwins” (TLC, Sunday at 10 p.m.) is most assuredly different.

Any good? Certainly not as bad as you might think, or may have hoped — just one more addition to that “19 Kids and Counting” genre that TLC has down cold. Of revelations Sunday, there are perhaps a few:

Why are the Baldwins doing this? What’s most interesting is what’s left unsaid — the reasons for doing a reality TV series on the eve of the scheduled July 2024 trial in New Mexico for involuntary manslaughter (those charges, relating to the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” on Oct. 21, 2021, were dropped this past December.) To cover legal expenses? Or to clear himself in the so-called court of public opinion? Both? There’s inherent risk here, nevertheless, so it’s reasonable to assume “The Baldwins” — all eight episodes — is part of a comprehensive legal and crisis PR strategy. Hilaria did tell People magazine recently that “I think it was also very cathartic, almost like a diary, during a very unsure time of our life.”

The tragedy. That’s addressed eight minutes in, when a clip of Alec Baldwin’s reaction upon first learning of Hutchins’s death is shown, which is then followed by a cut to a family birthday party (their seven children, Carmen, 11, Rafael, 9, Leonardo, 8, Romeo, 6, Eduardo and Marilu, 4, and Ilaria, 2, are featured throughout). Hilaria: “Watching Alec and his pain, in no way, is it meant to compare with Halyna’s loss, with her son, who has no mom. It breaks my heart.” Alec: “I have one overriding thought, one overriding concern, and that is letting seven children know that I love them.”

The Amagansett house. That house, which Baldwin has owned since 1995 — is also featured. Baldwin has attempted to sell it since 2022, even via a YouTube post, but there is (again) no mention of those various attempts. Instead, “the whole crowd” heads out in July and August, and per Hilaria, “It’s Alec’s happy place. Before the trial I wanted the kids to experience the freedom and carefree nature of the Hamptons …”

Hilaria’s famed Spanish accent. Hilaria, Baldwin’s wife of 12 years — who was raised in Massachusetts — was attacked by online trolls during the COVID pandemic over what they said was a fake Spanish accent to make her appear more exotic. She addresses that here: “I love English and I love Spanish and when I mix the two it doesn’t make me inauthentic. When I mix the two that makes me normal. [But] I’d be lying if I said [the attacks] didn’t make me sad and didn’t hurt and didn’t put me in a dark place.”

Baldwin’s health issues. We’re told he has PTSD related to the shooting and subsequent legal problems — no specifics — and OCD, which has been exacerbated by the stress. Cut to Baldwin busily arranging childrens’ shoes. He’s also allergic to cats. The Baldwins have eight pets. Guess how many cats? (Four, we’re told.)

‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ sequel series to ‘Last Airbender,’ ‘Korra’ confirms earthbender Avatar

The next generation’s Avatar has awakened, and she’s an earthbender.

For the 20th anniversary of Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, the network revealed the first official details on the next animated sequel series, including the title and general storyline.

Tidbits of the show already leaked through early reports online, and the official announcement confirms them to be largely true. The next show will be titled Avatar: Seven Havens and will chronicle the journey of a new earthbending Avatar who’s considered “humanity’s destroyer, not its savior,” according to a press release.

Avatar: Seven Havens will take place after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender, which ran for three seasons from 2005 to 2008, as well as its follow-up, The Legend of Korra, which ran for four from 2012 to 2014. The story “is set in a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm,” the plot summary reads. “A young earthbender discovers she’s the new Avatar after Korra — but in this dangerous era, that title marks her as humanity’s destroyer, not its savior. Hunted by both human and spirit enemies, she and her long-lost twin must uncover their mysterious origins and save the Seven Havens before civilization’s last strongholds collapse.”

The initial 26 episodes will be split into two seasons, known as Book 1 and Book 2. Each will consist of 13 half-hour episodes.

The “Avatarverse” envisions a medieval-inspired fantasy world where those known as benders can manipulate and harness one of four natural elements. The Avatar, a being reincarnated once every life cycle, is the only known individual who can master all the elements, as well as bridge the spirit and human worlds.

The last incarnation of the Avatar born an earthbender was Kyoshi, voiced by Jennifer Hale on the first two series. The lifecycle continued on with firebender Roku (James Garrett); airbender Aang (Zachary Tyler Eisen), whose story was told on the original animated series; waterbender Korra (Janet Varney), who headlined The Legend of Korra; and now we’re looping back to earth.

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Original series creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are back spearheading Avatar: Seven Havens. “When we created the original series, we never imagined we’d still be expanding the world decades later,” they said in a joint statement. “This new incarnation of the Avatarverse is full of fantasy, mystery, and a whole new cast of amazing characters. Get ready to take another epic and emotional adventure!”

“For two decades, the richly crafted world of Avatar: The Last Airbender has introduced audiences to a world of compelling characters and groundbreaking storylines, captivating fans globally,” Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, said. “We can’t wait to embark on the next chapter of this epic saga, with a new story set within the Avatarverse, envisioned by the original creators.”

Casting information and a premiere date will be revealed at a later time.

Elsewhere in the Avatarverse, the first animated movie, about Avatar Aang as an adult, is set to hit theaters Jan. 30, 2026, with a voice cast that includes Dave Bautista, Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza, and newcomer Eric Nam.

Amid Liam Payne death probe, singer’s friend and two hotel workers cleared of charges

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Two hotel workers and a friend of late pop star Liam Payne will no longer face charges relating to the One Direction singer’s unexpected death last year, Argentine judges decided this week.

According to a court document reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, appeals court judges on Wednesday decided to reverse involuntary manslaughter charges for Rogelio “Roger” Nores and CasaSur Palermo Hotel employees Gilda Agustina Martín and Esteban Reynaldo Grassi. The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office of Argentina handed down the manslaughter charges in December, two months after the singer fell to his death.

Amid its investigation into Payne’s death, prosecutors in December described Nores as a representative for Payne and alleged that he abandoned the singer despite knowing he was “unable to fend for himself” and having previous knowledge of Payne’s struggles with addiction.

Payne, an “X Factor” alum, died Oct. 16, two weeks after he arrived in Buenos Aires to attend a concert. He was 31. Shortly after his death, officials determined Payne died from multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding caused by the fall. A month later, officials announced Payne had traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he fell.

The appeals court judges ruled that Nores did not have a role in Payne’s “obtaining and consuming alcohol” and that he could not have taken actions to prevent Payne’s death, according to Rolling Stone, which first reported the decision.

In Wednesday’s ruling, judges said Nores “made himself present on several occasions” at the hotel and “made arrangements” with staff “on how to contact him in case of emergencies.” They also said that although it was likely Payne would not have obtained the necessary quantity of drugs and alcohol “for the state of intoxication he exhibited when he died” had Nores stayed by his side, judges said “it cannot be ruled out” that Payne would have “managed to get a hold of the substances anyway.”

This “is usual in addicts even if they are under the loving care” of family, the judges added. Judges also cited an August email from Nores to Payne’s team and family, in which he voiced concerns about the singer’s health and wrote that he would step “fully out of the picture.” The email is also at the center of Nores’ defamation lawsuit against Payne’s father, Geoff Payne.

“Glad this is finally over,” Nores told Rolling Stone. “I’m happy I’m now going to be able to travel to the U.K. and say goodbye to my friend.”

Nores and hotel employees Martín and Grassi were three of five people charged in relation to Payne’s death. Judges said “we find no way to conceive … (the two employees’) conduct as a relevant and culpable cause of homicide.” The other two people allegedly involved in the singer’s demise — another hotel employee and a waiter — remain in pretrial detention. They were charged in December with allegedly supplying Payne with narcotics before his death.

(Staff writer Karen Garcia contributed to this report.)