Former One Direction star Liam Payne has tragically passed away at the age of 31 in Argentina.
The police confirmed that he fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires. His body was discovered after an emergency crew responded to a call in the upscale neighborhood of Palermo.
Payne rose to fame as part of the popular boyband created on the X Factor TV show in 2010. Along with Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, he captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Just days before his death, Payne attended the Argentina concert of his former bandmate Niall Horan.
Police in Buenos Aires revealed that they received reports of an aggressive man possibly under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the hotel where Payne was staying.
Emergency medical services director Alberto Crescenti mentioned that Payne sustained serious injuries from the fall and that an autopsy would be conducted. The circumstances surrounding his fall are currently under investigation.
Tributes have poured in for the beloved singer, with fans gathering outside the hotel in Buenos Aires where the tragic incident occurred. Many expressed their shock and sadness, with some lighting candles in his memory.
Max George from The Wanted described Payne’s death as “absolutely devastating,” recalling their time together on The X Factor. Other celebrities, such as Olly Murs and Dermot O’Leary, shared their fond memories and condolences.
Payne’s musical career was marked by success, with hits both as part of One Direction and as a solo artist. He leaves behind a legacy of chart-topping albums and singles that resonated with fans around the world.
Born in Wolverhampton, UK, Payne auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 before finding fame in 2010 with One Direction.
He also had a son, Bear, with Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy, before they split in 2018.
