Fans of former One Direction star Liam Payne have been left in shock following his sudden death in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
While police investigations are underway, official reports state that the 31-year-old fell from his third-floor hotel room balcony.
The circumstances surrounding the fall are unclear, but according to some reports, hotel staff had requested urgent police assistance shortly before the incident, citing an “aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol.”
The hotel manager had reportedly told police that the guest was breaking things up, and tearing the whole room apart.
Photos of Payne’s hotel room, released by Buenos Aires police, showed a smashed television.
The communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, Pablo Policicchio, in a statement to The Associated Press, said that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.”
Earlier this month, Payne had attended the Argentina concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.
Tributes for Payne have been streaming in from heartbroken fans, fellow musicians, and music industry roleplayers.
Payne debuted as a singer in 2008 when he auditioned for the British television series The X Factor.
After being eliminated in the competition, he auditioned again in 2010 and was put into a group with four other boys to form One Direction, which became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.
While his fellow bandmates have yet to officially comment, Harry Styles’ mother Anne Twist posted a heartbreaking three word tribute on Instagram with a broken heart emoji: ”Just a Boy.”
View this post on Instagram
The likes of MTV, Spotify and the BRIT Awards all expressed their deep sadness at his passing.
We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans. pic.twitter.com/OT63aeAvGO
— MTV (@MTV) October 16, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the news of Liam Payne's passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many fans who loved and supported him. pic.twitter.com/5XCBUgrsqR
— Spotify (@Spotify) October 16, 2024
We’re incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time. pic.twitter.com/2aAtTEw5EU
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) October 16, 2024
Liam Payne shared his heart through his music, making an incredible impact on all his fans as a member of One Direction and in his solo career. His talent and spirit will remain forever in our hearts. Rest easy, Liam. pic.twitter.com/kRJQLEA4pR
— Live Nation (@LiveNation) October 16, 2024
RIP Liam Payne, the singer-songwriter who began his career wowing stadium-sized crowds with One Direction, and as a solo artist leaned more into bold, experimental club beats and forward-thinking bops. pic.twitter.com/8xWZR5joCd
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) October 17, 2024
Singer and friend Charlie Puth posted on his posted Instagram story, saying: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…”
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The Backstreet Boys posted on X, “words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems the rest of the world is in the sam boat. Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in Peace brother.”
Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.
Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world.
Rest in peace brother.
— Backstreet Boys (@backstreetboys) October 17, 2024
Many fans gathered outside the hotel in Buenos Aires, lighting candles and expressing their shock.
Payne had posted on his Snapchat story just an hour before his death, though it has not been confirmed if they were scheduled posts.
He leaves behind his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he shares with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.
I want to be on a billboard one day daddy 🐻 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HJqMDnDUH2
— Liam (@LiamPayne) March 1, 2024
Editor’s note: Those struggling with thoughts of self-harm and anxiety are invited to call the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline at 0800 567 567.
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