- Liam Payne, 31, dies after a fall in Buenos Aires
- He posted on Snapchat hours before his death
- Fans and artists share tributes online
Liam Payne, the former member of the globally celebrated boy band One Direction, has died at the age of 31 following a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to local police reports.
Authorities stated that emergency services were called to the upscale Palermo neighborhood, where they discovered Payne’s body in an interior courtyard. The police initiated an investigation after being alerted to reports of a “loud sound” prior to the discovery.
Emergency medical services director Alberto Crescenti informed local media that Payne sustained “serious injuries” and confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted. Crescenti refrained from commenting on the specific circumstances surrounding Payne’s fall.
Just hours before the tragedy, Payne shared a post on Snapchat, expressing, “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina.”
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that it is in contact with Argentine authorities “regarding reports of the death of a British man,” although further details have not been released.
In the wake of the news, fans congregated outside the hotel, leading police to cordon off the area. Many lit candles in memory of the singer. “I was in my living room and my sister told me Liam died,” young fan Violeta Antier told Reuters. “We couldn’t believe it. We came here directly to confirm it was true.” Antier noted that she had seen Payne at a concert featuring his former bandmate Niall Horan just weeks prior.
Another grieving fan shared her emotions, stating in Spanish, “This is the only way I have to say goodbye to him.”
One Direction achieved phenomenal success with hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.” After the band’s hiatus in 2015, Payne also found success as a solo artist.
Tributes have poured in across social media platforms following the announcement of Payne’s death. Max George from The Wanted expressed his heartbreak, recalling their early connection during The X Factor. “His death is absolutely devastating,” George said on Instagram, adding that Payne had been a “wonderful” source of support when his bandmate Tom Parker was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Payne attended Parker’s funeral after Parker passed away in 2022 at the age of 33.
Singer Olly Murs, who competed on The X Factor a year before One Direction, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, saying he was “lost for words.” He lamented the premature end of Payne’s life and extended condolences to his family and son, Bear.
Presenter Dermot O’Leary shared fond memories of Payne from his early audition days, highlighting his humility and joy. “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful and was always humble,” O’Leary wrote, accompanied by a nostalgic photo of the two.
Paris Hilton also paid tribute on social media, sending love and condolences to Payne’s family: “RIP my friend.”
Born in Wolverhampton, UK, Payne first sought fame by auditioning for The X Factor in 2008. Although Simon Cowell advised him to return in two years, he re-auditioned in 2010, successfully joining four other hopefuls to form One Direction. The group achieved four UK number one albums and singles and topped charts worldwide. After Zayn Malik’s departure in 2015, the band announced a hiatus.
In 2017, Payne launched his solo career with the hit single “Strip That Down,” which reached number three on the Official UK Chart. His collaboration with Rita Ora on “For You” from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack also garnered success.
Payne had a notable relationship with Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy, with whom he shares a son, Bear. The couple split in 2018. Earlier this week, Maya Henry, another former partner, revealed through her lawyers that she had issued a cease and desist letter against Payne, accusing him of repeated contact. Payne has not publicly responded to these allegations.
