Tragic news has emerged as One Direction star Liam Payne has passed away at the age of 31 after an incident involving a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
According to local police, the singer fell from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel located in the Palermo neighborhood of Argentina’s capital, where medics later confirmed his death.
Authorities responded to an emergency call placed by the hotel manager, who was concerned about the well-being of a guest.
Images circulating show devastated fans gathering outside the hotel, where police cordoned off the area while forensic investigators were seen entering and exiting in white protective suits and blue gloves.
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Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend a concert by Niall Horan, and he was seen enjoying himself at his former bandmate’s performance at the Movistar Arena just two weeks ago, accompanied by his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
Fans gather outside the hotel where Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires on 16 October
One Direction rose to fame after forming on The X Factor in 2010, with Payne and Horan joined by Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles. Their albums and tours broke numerous records, with popular songs like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life” catapulting them to international stardom. The band has sold over 70 million records globally and received multiple awards, fostering one of the most dedicated fanbases in music history.
Before joining One Direction, Payne auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 at the young age of 14. Although he did not make it that time, head judge Simon Cowell encouraged him to return, which he did two years later when One Direction was formed.
Liam Payne pictured with his One Direction bandmates Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan in 2010
After One Direction entered hiatus in 2016, Payne embarked on a solo career. He released his first solo single, “Strip That Down,” in 2017, achieving global success.
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Beyond singing, Payne was also a gifted songwriter. He co-wrote various tracks for One Direction as well as his solo efforts, collaborating with prominent artists and producers like Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, and Ryan Tedder.
Payne was actively involved in charitable efforts, supporting organizations such as UNICEF, Comic Relief, and Trekstock, which aids young people dealing with cancer. He candidly addressed his own mental health challenges, especially during the peak of One Direction’s fame, discussing his experiences with anxiety and depression and using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Liam Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend a Niall Horan concert and was seen dancing at his former bandmate’s show at the Movistar Arena two weeks ago
Last August, Payne had to postpone his South American tour due to a “serious kidney infection.” He described the infection as something “I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” stating that his doctors advised him to “rest and recover.”
Later that year, he was banned from driving in the UK after admitting to a speeding violation.
Reports indicated he was driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone and faced a six-month driving ban along with a fine, which was imposed in October 2023.
In August, Payne was announced as a judge on an upcoming Netflix show titled “Building the Band,” alongside Kelly Rowland from Destiny’s Child and Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussycat Dolls.
The panel was set to evaluate the contestants’ chemistry as they attempted to form a band in the musical competition series.
Liam Payne was born on 29 August 1993, in Wolverhampton. He leaves behind his seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with his ex-partner, Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole.
