Thirty-one-year-old former member of the British boy band ‘One Direction,’ Liam Payne, was found dead after reportedly falling from the balcony of his third-floor room at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The tragic incident occurred at the CasaSur Hotel in Palermo, a leafy neighboUrhood of the Argentine capital, according to a statement from Argentine police on Wednesday.
Authorities were called to the scene after hotel staff reported a disturbance involving an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” The hotel manager informed police of a loud noise from the courtyard, which led them to discover that Payne had fallen from his balcony.
In an audio recording obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry, a hotel worker can be heard calling for assistance, noting, “When he is conscious he is destroying the entire room, and we need you to send someone.” The worker expressed concern for Payne’s safety, adding, “The room has a balcony, and his life is at risk.”
Payne, who rose to fame alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson as part of One Direction, had embarked on a solo career after the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
Known for hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life,” Payne was a key contributor to the band’s success, co-writing several songs and achieving significant chart success both with the band and as a solo artist. His most recent single, “Teardrop,” was released in March.
Though details surrounding his death remain unclear, Payne had previously opened up about his struggles with mental health and substance use, citing the pressures of fame.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians alike.
“I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me,” American singer Charlie Puth wrote on Instagram. “He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone.”
Payne’s death has also impacted fans in Buenos Aires. Violeta Antier, who gathered outside the hotel, shared, “I saw him two weeks ago at a Niall (Horan) concert, another ‘One Direction’ member. He was there. I saw him. He was okay.”
Payne’s career began on the British version of “The X Factor”, where he was placed in One Direction by music mogul Simon Cowell after his 2010 audition.
The band may have finished third in the competition, but they went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Cowell, reflecting on Payne’s journey in a 2012 interview with ‘Rolling Stone’, said, “I always knew that with confidence, he would be a valuable member of this band.”
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Payne has a son, Bear, with British singer Cheryl. He had spoken candidly with fans last year about his journey towards sobriety, expressing gratitude for their support during difficult times.
Earlier on Wednesday, Payne appeared to post on Snapchat, sharing moments from his trip to Argentina, including horseback riding, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home. In the video, he remarked, “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina.”
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