Former One Direction star Liam Payne, 31, was found dead outside a Buenos Aires hotel after reportedly falling from the balcony of his third-floor room.
Argentine police, who responded to an emergency call, stated they were alerted about an “aggressive man possibly under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Upon their arrival at the hotel in Palermo, Payne was found in the hotel’s interior patio, where emergency workers confirmed his death.
According to the hotel manager, a loud noise was heard from the back of the building before Payne was discovered. Initial reports indicate that the British singer had been acting erratically in his room, which had a balcony, before the tragic incident occurred. Audio obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry revealed that hotel staff had urgently requested assistance due to the guest’s destructive behavior.
American singer Charlie Puth expressed his grief on Instagram, calling Payne “kind” and “one of the first major artists” he worked with, adding, “I cannot believe he is gone.” Prominent music outlets such as MTV, Spotify, and the BRIT Awards shared their condolences on social media.
Liam Payne, who rose to international fame as part of the boy band One Direction, leaves behind a son named Bear, whom he had with British singer Cheryl in 2017. The group, which disbanded in 2016, had achieved global success, selling over 70 million records and winning numerous awards. Payne had also established a successful solo career, amassing an estimated net worth of $70 million.
Fans gathered outside the hotel to mourn the singer, lighting candles and applauding his memory. Among them was 25-year-old Yamila Zacarias, who recalled how the band had a significant impact on her life. Violeta Antier, another fan, shared her disbelief, having seen Payne just two weeks earlier at a Niall Horan concert in Buenos Aires.
In one of his final social media posts, Payne appeared on Snapchat, sharing moments from his trip to Argentina, including horseback riding and polo, and expressed excitement about returning home to see his dog. Payne had previously been open about his struggles with mental health and alcohol, recently posting a YouTube video to thank his fans for their support through challenging times.