16 October 2024, 22:47 | Updated: 17 October 2024, 06:53
Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, has died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
The 31-year-old was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel in the capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
Liam Payne had been in the city for his former bandmate Niall Horan’s tour.
Alberto Crescenti, a senior local medical official, said that Payne fell from around 13 or 14 metres and that he suffered “very serious injuries incompatible with life”.
These included a fracture to the skull, authorities said.
Former One Direction star Liam Payne dies ‘falling from a hotel balcony’
Payne fell into a courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital.
Police are investigating the full circumstances surrounding Payne’s death, although they have said they must wait for the full results of the autopsy.
Officers said they had initially been called out to reports of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
After news of Payne’s death emerged, fans began gathering outside his hotel, leading police to cordon off the entrance.
Wolverhampton-born Payne joined One Direction in 2010 alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, after they were placed together on the talent show X-Factor. It was Payne’s second time trying out for the show.
The boy band gained worldwide mega-stardom as a group over several years, with four UK number one albums and four number one singles. One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in 2015.
Payne and his fellow band members all struck out on his own in order to forge a solo career. His first solo album was released in 2019, but did not gain positive reviews.
He has a son called Bear from his previous relationship with singer Cheryl, who was a judge on X Factor.
Tributes poured in for Payne as news emerged of his death on Wednesday night.
Jedward, the singing duo who also gained fame on X Factor, said: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction Family”.
Paris Hilton added that the news of Payne’s death was: “so upsetting” to hear.
She said she was “sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones.”
A statement on an official social media account of the Brit Awards said: “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”.
