One Direction star Liam Payne has tragically passed away at the age of 31, and now the authorities have offered a heartbreaking update.
After participating in the British TV show The X Factor, Payne gained widespread recognition as part of the boy band One Direction.
The group, consisting of Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, went on to become one of the most successful boy bands in history.
Some of their popular songs include ‘What Makes You Beautiful,’ ‘Best Song Ever,’ and ‘One Thing.’
Following One Direction’s hiatus, Payne secured a deal with Republic Records and released his debut single ‘Strip That Down’ in 2017.
The track, featured on his first album, reached number three on the U.K. Singles Chart and peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
But yesterday, it was tragically announced that Payne had passed away aged just 31.
In light of his passing, tributes are now flooding in to honor the late singer.
Paris Hilton expressed her sadness on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne’s passing…Sending love and condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP my friend.”
X-Factor alumni Jedward wrote: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
Rapper Juicy J, who collaborated with Payne and Wiz Khalifa on the 2016 track “You,” posted, “RIP Liam Payne. Wow I can’t believe it, prayers up for the family.”
Fans have also flooded social media with heartfelt tributes.
“He was instrumental in shaping a generation of music and played a key role in one of the most iconic bands of all time. His impact is felt worldwide,” one fan shared. “Rest in peace to a true legend.”
Another expressed, “I’m devastated by the news of Liam Payne’s untimely death. He was such a talented artist, taken far too soon – his music will be greatly missed.”
A third person commented, “Liam’s loss is immense. He touched countless lives, and my thoughts are with everyone grieving today. May his legacy bring comfort.”
One more fan wrote, “So many young lives have been lost recently, but this one really hit me hard. Watching someone grow and succeed from such a young age makes it even more shocking. It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be.”
According to Buenos Aires authorities, Payne tragically fell from a hotel balcony in the city, with the incident occurring just after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, as reported by TMZ.
Fans have begun gathering at the scene, where local authorities have set up a security cordon.
Payne was reportedly in Buenos Aires to attend a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan, according to Argentinian media.
Just an hour before the tragic event, Payne shared a post on Snapchat detailing his plans for the day, which included playing polo, according to Sky News.
TMZ also reported that Payne’s girlfriend, Texan model Kate Cassidy, had left Argentina on October 14.
Cassidy later shared a heartfelt message on one of the last photos of Payne before his passing, featuring him riding horses in the countryside, with the caption: “I am very grateful for the simple things in life.”
Payne’s final Snapchat post was shared just minutes before his tragic passing, showing him posing happily alongside his girlfriend, Texan model Kate Cassidy, in front of a mirror, according to MailOnline.
Within an hour of local news reporting his death, The Sun. revealed that additional footage of Payne having breakfast with Cassidy had surfaced.
In the video, Payne can be heard saying: “This is the breakfast table, just enjoying breakfast and coffee even though it’s 1 p.m.”
Cassidy playfully jokes in the background, calling them ‘losers’ for sleeping in so late.
Payne continues: “Today, we ride. I think I’m going to be playing polo again, which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks.
“Honestly, polo, out of everything I’ve ever done sports-wise, not that I’m taking up polo professionally, by the way, I’m just like, I had a go for some fun.
“It’s so hard to do, number one. Number two, my back and my neck from swinging that hammer around, or mallet, I think it’s called, if you’re in the know, it’s polo language.”
More clips show Payne filming Cassidy and their dog as they watched Jimmy Carr on TV, asking his followers to come up with a caption.
Despite the video posts, it seems Payne wasn’t uploading in real-time, as reports indicate that Cassidy had flown back to Florida on October 14.
In a vlog, she mentioned being ‘so ready to leave’ and eager to sleep in her own bed again.
Page Six also reported that after the news of Payne’s death broke, the videos were removed from his main Snap stories and were later archived in the ‘Spotlight’ section of his account.
And now, authorities have released a further update.
According to PA, Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel that Payne fell into the courtyard of the hotel.
In the early hours of this morning, police confirmed that a 911 call was made from the hotel.
When police arrived at the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighborhood, a loud bang was then reportedly heard from an inner courtyard.
Crescenti later provided further details, confirming that Payne fell approximately 40 meters and suffered ‘severe injuries which were incompatible with life.’
He explained: “The alarm was raised at 5:04 p.m. local time, saying a person was lying in an internal patio at CasaSur. At 5:11 p.m., an ambulance arrived, and the man was certified dead. Afterward, we found out he had been a famous singer.
“Unfortunately, the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him.”
Crescenti also stated that Payne’s death was due to multiple trauma and significant internal and external bleeding, as indicated by preliminary autopsy results, per the Mirror.
Police were dispatched to the hotel after receiving reports of an ‘aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.’
Payne is survived by his seven-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, from his previous relationship with Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy, a former X Factor judge.
He is also survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, as well as his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues mentioned, help is available. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741. In the U.K., you can contact Samaritans anytime for free at 116 123 or visit their website for support.
