October, 17th, 2024
Liam Payne, the English singer who gained international fame as a member of One Direction, has died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Payne suffered multiple traumatic injuries and hemorrhages, according to the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office.
Key Facts
- Buenos Aires police issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that Payne fell from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentinian capital, sustaining severe injuries and being pronounced dead at the scene by medics.
- While a toxicology report is still pending, an autopsy released on Thursday revealed that Payne died from multiple traumas and both internal and external hemorrhages.
- Authorities noted that substances were found in Payne’s hotel room, pointing to alcohol and drug use prior to the incident. Investigators believe the singer was under the influence and alone when he fell.
- A local official, cited by the Associated Press, suggested Payne may have jumped from the balcony, though authorities have not confirmed the exact nature of the fall.
- Police were called to the hotel around 5 p.m. local time after the hotel manager reported a guest who was “under the influence of drugs and alcohol” and had caused damage to the room. The manager also expressed concern about the guest’s access to the balcony, fearing for his safety.
- An investigation has been launched into Payne’s death, and the U.K. Foreign Office is in contact with Argentinian authorities, according to the BBC.
- Payne’s family issued a statement to British media on Thursday, saying, “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.”
Crucial Quote
The four remaining members of One Direction released a joint statement on Instagram, expressing their devastation: “We are completely heartbroken over the loss of our brother, whom we loved dearly. We need time to grieve and process this profound loss.”
How Have Fans and Musicians Reacted to the News of Payne’s Death?
Other members of One Direction have not yet commented publicly. However, Harry Styles’ mother, Anne Twist, posted a broken heart emoji on Instagram with the caption “Just a boy.” Zayn Malik’s sister, Waliyha, shared images of Payne with her brother on her Instagram story, captioned “heartbroken.” Fans gathered outside the Casa Sur Hotel to hold a vigil for Payne, singing One Direction songs in tribute. Music producer Zedd called the news “absolutely heartbreaking,” and singer Charlie Puth remembered Payne on Instagram as “one of the first major artists I worked with. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Key Background
Liam Payne rose to fame as part of One Direction, a boy band formed on The X Factor in 2010 alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson. Despite not winning the competition, the group achieved global stardom with hits like “Story of My Life” and “Best Song Ever.” In 2015, the band announced a hiatus, with Zayn Malik leaving earlier that year. Payne pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album LP1 in 2019 and continuing to experiment with pop, hip-hop, Latin, and electronic music. Despite his success, Payne struggled with addiction and suicidal thoughts, which he openly discussed in interviews. In 2023, Payne revealed he had spent 100 days in rehabilitation and was committed to sobriety. He had several charting singles, including the Top 10 hit “Strip That Down” featuring Quavo. His latest song, “Teardrops,” was released earlier this year. Payne also became a father in 2017, sharing a child with singer Cheryl Cole.