Former One Direction star Liam Payne has tragically died at the age of 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The incident occurred amidst reports of an emergency response to the scene.
According to local authorities, Payne was discovered shortly after midnight by police responding to a call about an incident at the hotel. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise in the interior courtyard before the devastating tragedy unfolded. Despite prompt medical attention, he could not be saved.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is in contact with Argentine officials regarding the death of a British national but has not released further details.
Before the incident, Payne took to Snapchat to share his enjoyment of the locale, stating, “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina.” Following the news of his passing, fans gathered outside the hotel, laying candles and tributes in remembrance of the singer.
A young fan, Violeta Antier, expressed disbelief upon hearing the news, stating, “We couldn’t believe it. We came here directly to confirm if it was true.” She had seen Payne just two weeks prior at a concert for his former bandmate, Niall Horan.
Numerous tributes have emerged on social media, including heartfelt messages from fellow artists. Max George from The Wanted described meeting Payne during his time on The X Factor and recalled fond memories they shared. He called Payne’s death “absolutely devastating.”
Singer Olly Murs, who was also on The X Factor a year before One Direction, voiced his grief, stating he was “lost for words.” Murs highlighted their shared dreams and passions and expressed heartfelt condolences for Payne’s family and his young son, Bear, who had lost his father.
British presenter Dermot O’Leary shared his memories of Payne from when he auditioned as a teenager, praising him for his humility and kindness. “He was always a joy,” O’Leary noted.
Payne was born in Wolverhampton, UK, and first auditioned for The X Factor in 2008, where Simon Cowell advised him to come back in two years. Upon his return in 2010, he impressed the judges and was subsequently placed in a group with four other hopefuls, leading to the formation of One Direction.
The band achieved significant success, boasting four number one albums and numerous chart-topping singles until they went on hiatus in 2015. Payne also enjoyed a successful solo career, with hits such as “Strip That Down” and a collaboration with Rita Ora on “For You.”
He shares a son, Bear, with former partner Cheryl Tweedy, with whom he ended his relationship in 2018. Earlier this week, another ex-partner, Maya Henry, issued a cease and desist order through her lawyers, alleging repeated unwanted contact from Payne. He has not publicly responded to those accusations.
As the news of his untimely death spreads, the music community mourns the loss of a talented artist who touched the lives of many.
Credit: BBC News
