Former One Direction singer Liam Payne dies after falling from third floor

Argentine police announced on Wednesday that former One Direction singer Liam Payne was discovered dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires, having fallen from the balcony of his third-floor room.

The capital police stated in a statement that they were alerted of a “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol” when they were summoned to the hotel in the city’s picturesque Palermo quarter.

According to the statement, the hotel management reported hearing a loud boom at the rear of the establishment. When police came, they discovered that a man had fallen from his room over the balcony.

The 31-year-old British musician was discovered in the hotel’s indoor patio, according to reports, and emergency personnel verified his death.

“We were shocked to hear of Liam Payne’s untimely death today. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this trying moment “MTV said on X.

It was not possible to get in touch with Payne’s record company, Republic Records, or its owner, Universal Music Group, right away.

Alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and other members of the now-disbanded musical group One Direction, Payne became well-known across the world.

The boy band gained popularity in 2010 after placing third in the British edition of the X Factor music competition. However, in 2016, the group disbanded as its members went on to pursue solo endeavors and other ventures.

In 2024, Entertainment Weekly named One Direction as the third-greatest boy band of all time. Payne’s One Direction and solo careers contributed to an estimated $70 million in net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

As darkness set over the city, hundreds of police and emergency services teams blocked off an area outside the hotel, where Reuters reporters saw masses assembling.

Hernan Palazzo, a local news reporter for Todo Noticias TV, was questioned outside the hotel in the Palermo district. He said, “The neighborhood is tremendously disturbed up… Fans are starting to arrive, and there are a lot of cops. It is very depressing.”

In 2017, Payne and British TV personality and Girls Aloud singer Cheryl had a son, Bear.

Payne had gone to see his old bandmate Niall Horan perform live in Buenos Aires earlier this month. The artist has been transparent in the public about his battle with addiction and his stay at a treatment center.

Payne had posted on Snapchat earlier on Wednesday, discussing his vacation to Argentina, where he had gone horseback riding, played polo, and was excited to see his dog again.

In the video, he said, “It’s a beautiful day here in Argentina.”