Liam Payne, former member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, has tragically died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, local authorities have confirmed.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular areas. According to Buenos Aires police, Payne fell from the third floor, suffering “extremely serious injuries.” Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police responded to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, reporting an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
A 911 call from the hotel manager, obtained by the AP, described a guest who was “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol” and was damaging the room. The manager’s voice grew more urgent during the call as he pointed out the presence of a balcony in the room.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, confirmed that an investigation was underway to determine the exact circumstances of Payne’s death, and an autopsy is being conducted.
A Battle with Alcoholism
Payne had been open about his struggles with alcohol in recent years. In July 2023, he shared a video on his YouTube channel, revealing that he had been sober for six months following treatment for alcoholism. Representatives for Payne have yet to respond to requests for comment.
Fans Mourn
News of Payne’s death spread quickly, leading to an outpouring of grief from fans. Crowds gathered outside the Casa Sur Hotel, lighting candles and leaving flowers in a growing makeshift memorial. Emotional fans, many of them young women, expressed their shock at the sudden loss of the beloved singer.
“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” said Isabella Milesi, 21, who came to pay her respects. Others shared similar sentiments, unable to believe that Payne’s death marked the end of any potential One Direction reunion.
From Global Stardom to Solo Success
Payne rose to international fame as a member of One Direction after the group was formed during the 2010 season of the British singing competition show The X Factor. Though the group didn’t win the competition, they became one of the most successful boy bands of all time, known for hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.” Payne was often seen as the responsible one in the group, playing a key role in songwriting and vocals.
After the band disbanded in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing hits like “Strip That Down” in 2017. His musical style evolved towards EDM and hip-hop, with his debut album, LP1, dropping in 2019. His last single, “Teardrops,” was released in March 2024.
A Personal Life in the Public Eye
Liam Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, whom he shares with British singer Cheryl, known for her work with Girls Aloud. Payne and Cheryl began dating years after her time as a judge on The X Factor. Payne was also previously engaged to model Maya Henry, with their engagement ending in early 2022.
In addition to his son, Payne is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his sisters, Ruth and Nicola.
Fans, family, and the entertainment world continue to mourn the loss of one of pop music’s most recognizable figures.