Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, has tragically passed away at the age of 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16. Police responded to an emergency call and arrived at the scene, where a loud sound was heard from the hotel’s inner courtyard, leading to the discovery of Payne’s body.
Payne’s family has now issued a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief:
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Alberto Crescenti, head of Buenos Aires Emergency Medical Services SAME, said Payne was found with a cranial fracture and other serious injuries that caused his immediate death. Medics were unable to resuscitate him when they arrived at the scene, and forensic scientists quickly began their investigation. Payne’s body has since been transported to a morgue, where further examinations will be conducted.
The Foreign Office in the UK has confirmed they are in contact with local Argentinian authorities regarding Payne’s death.
Police were initially called to the scene after reports of an “aggressive man” suspected of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Since news of the singer’s death broke, fans and friends have gathered outside the Casa Sur Hotel, laying flowers and lighting candles in tribute to Payne. The hotel has been cordoned off by police, and all windows have been covered.
Fans have shared their memories of how Payne’s music helped them through difficult times. One fan, 26-year-old Martina Belaustgui, expressed her sorrow to The Guardian: “I’m feeling heartbroken. I remember when I was a kid I had a lot of bullying in my school, and his songs helped. I’m devastated. I came as soon as I heard the news.”
Earlier this month, Payne attended a concert by his former bandmate, Niall Horan, in Argentina. He had remained in the country following the event while his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, left two days ago.
Payne shot to fame at 16 after joining One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, alongside Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles. Together, they became one of the most successful boybands in the world, with hits like What Makes You Beautiful and Story of My Life. The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, after which Payne pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album LP1 in 2019.
Payne is survived by his son Bear, whom he shared with his former partner Cheryl. Bear, now seven years old, was born in 2017. In a recent birthday message, Payne expressed his excitement about reconnecting with his son, saying, “He’s getting so big now. He’s a big boy and looks like a mini-me.”
Tributes have poured in for the singer. Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary remembered Payne as a “joy” who “just loved to sing,” while fellow X Factor star Rylan Clark called Payne’s passing “extremely sad news.” Paris Hilton and Brit Awards organizers also shared messages of condolences, with Hilton calling Payne a “friend” and “a kind soul.”
Harry Styles’ mother, Anne Twist, expressed her grief on Instagram with a broken heart emoji and a caption that read, “Just a boy…?.
Despite his fame, Payne’s journey was marked by personal struggles, including battles with mental health and addiction, which he spoke about in recent years. In 2023, he revealed he had been sober for six months after seeking help for his issues.
As fans and loved ones continue to mourn his loss, Liam Payne will be remembered for the incredible impact he had on the music world and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and talent.
