Liam Payne, the former singer of One Direction, was discovered dead on Wednesday after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, according to local authorities.
In a statement, Buenos Aires police reported that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel, located in the Palermo district of Argentina’s capital, sustaining “extremely serious injuries.” Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene.
Police in Buenos Aires reported that officers were initially dispatched to the scene following complaints about an “aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol.”
Upon their arrival at the hotel, officials were informed of a loud noise emanating from an interior courtyard. Shortly thereafter, they found a body in that location. An investigation by the police has since commenced.
Emergency medical services director Alberto Crescenti refused to comment on the circumstances surrounding Payne’s fall from the balcony, according to reports.
Just hours before the incident, Payne had shared a post on Snapchat, stating: “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina.”
Following the announcement of his death, fans flocked to the Buenos Aires hotel where he passed away, leading police to seal off the entrance. Some attendees lit candles in tribute to him.
German music producer Zedd, who collaborated with Payne on the 2017 track ‘Get Low,’ has paid tribute to the former One Direction star in a post on X, stating, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.”
He added in a separate statement, “Life is short and fragile… You never know what people are going through. We live in times where being rude, divisive and mean is normal; sometimes even celebrated. It doesn’t have to be this way. We should do our best to be kind, supportive and mindful.”
Payne gained worldwide recognition as a member of the beloved boy band formed on the 2010 series of X Factor, alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik.
Despite his time with One Direction, Payne also enjoyed a successful solo career.
In 2017, he released “Strip That Down,” the lead single from his debut solo album, which reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. His debut studio album, LP1, was released in 2019 to mixed reviews. Nevertheless, he sold millions of singles after One Direction went on hiatus, proving he was far more than just a member of the iconic boy band.
In his personal life, he has been romantically linked to several women in recent years, including supermodel Naomi Campbell and model Maya Henry, with whom he got engaged in 2020 before they eventually parted ways. Most recently, he was linked to US influencer Kate Cassidy. He has also faced health issues in recent years, being hospitalised twice in 2023.
Frances Ibiefo
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