Former One Direction singer Liam Payne has tragically died after allegedly falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Payne, 31, reportedly fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighborhood of Argentina's capital, sustaining “extremely serious injuries,” according to Buenos Aires police and Euronews.
Medics confirmed his death on the scene.
Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, stated that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.”
Police were dispatched to the hotel on Wednesday evening following an emergency call, which warned of an “aggressive man who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
In a 911 call, the hotel manager can be heard describing Payne as "overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol," saying, “He’s destroying the entire room, and we need help.” The manager's concern heightened as the call progressed, mentioning the presence of a balcony in the room.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told local media that an autopsy is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death.
Struggles with Alcoholism
Payne had previously been open about his struggles with alcoholism. In July 2023, he shared a video announcing that he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment.
Following news of Payne's death, dozens of heartbroken One Direction fans, mostly young women, gathered at the Casa Sur Hotel. The crowd spilled into the cordoned-off street, where police were stationed, as fans filmed the scene and expressed their shock. A makeshift memorial quickly formed outside the hotel, with rows of candles and bouquets placed in tribute.
“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” said 21-year-old Isabella Milesi, one of the fans who gathered at the site.
Payne’s Legacy with One Direction
Liam Payne was one of the five members of the British boy band One Direction, which formed on The X Factor in 2010. The group broke multiple chart records and garnered a massive global following, especially for their hits like “What Makes You Beautiful," “Night Changes,” and “Story of My Life.”
The band achieved six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts before disbanding in 2016.
Originally from Wolverhampton in England's West Midlands, Payne was often regarded as the responsible one in the group. In a 2013 interview, he reflected on the band’s sudden rise to fame, admitting, “I don’t think you can ever fully adjust to it... it’s crazy to see how people react to us and what we do.”
After One Direction dissolved, Payne pursued a solo career, moving towards EDM and hip-hop. He is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, whom he shares with his former girlfriend, musician Cheryl Cole.
Representatives for Payne have not yet responded to inquiries regarding his death.
