Panaji: British singer Liam Payne, a former member of the world-famous boy band One Direction, was found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Payne, 31, reportedly fell from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room. Argentine police confirmed that they responded to a call from the hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood, where they were informed about an aggressive guest who might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The hotel’s manager said he heard a loud noise, and when the police arrived, they found that a man had fallen from his room’s balcony. Emergency workers confirmed the singer’s death in the hotel’s interior patio.
Fans and onlookers gathered outside the hotel, some crying and hugging, and they clapped as the body was taken away. Payne’s death has deeply shocked his friends and colleagues in the music industry. American singer Charlie Puth posted on Instagram, saying, “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me… I cannot believe he is gone.” Payne’s former record label, Republic Records, has not yet commented on the incident.
Payne had a son named Bear, whom he shared with British TV personality Cheryl. The couple welcomed their child in 2017. Payne’s death has been mourned across social media, with platforms like MTV, Spotify, and the BRIT Awards expressing condolences to his family and fans.
Liam Payne rose to fame as part of One Direction, which gained global success after finishing third on the British version of The X Factor in 2010. The band, which included Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, became one of the best-selling boy bands ever, selling around 70 million records worldwide. One Direction disbanded in 2016, and Payne, like the other members, pursued a solo career.
Despite his professional success, Payne had been open about his struggles with mental health and alcohol. In the past, he shared his challenges with fame and thanked fans for their support during tough times. Just two weeks before his death, Payne attended a Niall Horan concert in Buenos Aires, where fans saw him enjoying the show.
Earlier on the day of his death, Payne had posted on Snapchat about his trip to Argentina, sharing moments like horse riding and playing polo. He mentioned looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
