Former One direction singer Liam Payne dies in hotel balcony fall

Liam Payne, the ex-One Direction member, has passed away at the age of 31 in Argentina following a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, according to law enforcement officials.

The police announced that they found Payne's body when responding to an emergency call in the affluent Palermo neighborhood on Wednesday.

Payne gained international recognition as a member of the popular boy band formed on the X Factor television show in 2010, alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik.

At the beginning of this month, Payne went to see his ex-One Direction bandmate Niall Horan perform in Argentina.

Police in Buenos Aires stated that the officers who arrived at the location were initially responding to calls about "an unruly individual possibly influenced by drugs and alcohol."

Upon reaching the hotel, authorities were informed of a loud noise coming from an inner courtyard. Shortly after, they found a body in that area. An investigation by the police has been initiated.

Alberto Crescenti, the director of emergency medical services, informed local news outlets that Payne sustained "significant injuries" and that an autopsy will be conducted.

Mr. Crescenti chose not to comment on the details surrounding Payne's fall from the balcony.

The UK Foreign Office has stated that it is communicating with officials in Argentina "about the reports of a British man's death." Additional information has not been provided.

Payne seemingly shared a post on Snapchat just a few hours prior to the event, stating, "The weather is beautiful here in Argentina."

When the news of his passing emerged, fans started to assemble outside the hotel in Buenos Aires where he had died, leading the police to block off the entrance. A few people lit candles to honor his memory.

"I was sitting in my living room when my sister told me that Liam had passed away," said a young fan, Violeta Antier, to Reuters. "We were in shock and immediately came here to verify if it was actually true."

Ms. Antier mentioned that she spotted Payne at the Niall Horan concert a mere two weeks prior.

Another woman wept as she shared her reasons for visiting the hotel, stating in Spanish to Reuters, "This is my only chance to say goodbye to him."

People have been sharing their condolences and paying their respects online as well.

Max George, a member of the boyband The Wanted, shared that he met Payne when he was participating in The X Factor alongside One Direction. He expressed that Payne's passing is "truly heartbreaking."

"Recently, I've had the joy of getting to know him on a personal level and cherish the moments we've shared together," he stated on Instagram.

George mentioned that Payne had been incredibly supportive when his bandmate Tom Parker was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

When Parker passed away in 2022 at the age of 33, Payne was present at the funeral.

Olly Murs, the singer who participated in The X Factor a year ahead of One Direction, expressed that he was "at a loss for words."

"Liam and I had a lot in common; we both shared the same interests and aspirations. It's incredibly painful to see his life cut short at such a young age. I'm really heartbroken for his family, especially for his son Bear who has lost his father," he posted on Instagram.

On Instagram, host Dermot O'Leary shared his warm memories of Payne.

"I recall when he was just 14, showing up to audition for the X Factor and impressing us all with his rendition of a Sinatra song," he posted along with a photo of the two of them.

He was a constant source of happiness, eagerly made time for others, was respectful and appreciative, and always maintained a sense of humility.

"Paris Hilton expressed her heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased on X, previously known as Twitter, stating, 'Sending my love and condolences. Rest in peace, my friend.'"

Payne, originally from Wolverhampton in the UK, made his first attempt at fame by auditioning for the ITV talent competition The X Factor in 2008. However, judge Simon Cowell advised him to "return in two years."

He succeeded in captivating the judges even more in 2010, which led to him being grouped with four other solo contestants during the boot camp phase, resulting in the formation of One Direction.

The band achieved the impressive milestone of four number one albums and four number one singles in the UK, along with reaching the top of various international charts. They declared a break from their activities in 2015.

In 2017, Payne released his first solo single, "Strip That Down," which climbed to number three on the Official UK Chart. Additionally, his duet with Rita Ora, titled "For You," featured on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, also made its way into the top 10.

In 2016, he started dating Cheryl Tweedy, a member of Girls Aloud, and they welcomed their son, Bear, the next year. However, they ended their relationship in 2018.

Earlier this week, Maya Henry, another ex-partner, informed the media through her lawyers that she has sent a cease and desist letter to the singer.

She took to social media to claim that he had been reaching out to her multiple times. Payne chose not to react to these claims.