News, Listen, Liam Payne, One Direction

Former One Direction Member Liam Payne Dies After Hotel Balcony Fall

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne is dead after the musician fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, The Associated Press and multiple other news outlets report.

Payne was in Argentina after attending his former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert at the capital’s Movistar Arena. According to CNN, a preliminary autopsy has shown that Payne died from multiple injuries "including internal and external hemorrage." Liam Payne was 31 years old.

While a toxicology report for Payne's death is still pending, it is possible the singer may have been under the influence when he died. Hotel staff had requested urgent police assistance shortly before Payne fell, according to a 911 call. The hotel manager said a guest was “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol,” and that staff didn’t know “if the guest’s life is at risk.” According to Billboard, the manager also said during the call, "he’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” Police found a broken television and other damages in the room when they were dispatched to the scene.

“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Payne’s family said in a statement. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.” Fans have gathered in a vigil outside the Argentina hotel for the beloved boy band star, lighting candles and singing 1D’s “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life,”

Liam James Payne was born in Wolverhampton, England. In 2008, at age 14, he auditioned for the British reality show The X Factor. He famously returned to the show in 2010 and was put together with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik to form One Direction. The boy band did not win the competition, but it did not stop the legendary quintet from becoming a global sensation.

After The X Factor, Simon Cowell signed One Direction to his Syco label, and the group debuted, in September 2011, with the single “What Makes You Beautiful.” Discussing the song, Payne said, “We always wanted it to be something that people didn’t expect and then when we heard it, it wasn't what we expected either so it kind of fitted perfectly.” The beloved song was included on One Direction’s chart-topping debut album, Up All Night. Payne was credited as a co-writer on three of the album’s tracks: “Taken,” “Everything About You,” and “Same Mistakes.”

After Up All Night came the 2012 album Take Me Home, whose biggest song was “Little Things,” co-written by Ed Sheeran. One Direction released three more studio albums—Midnight Memories, Four, and Made in the A.M.—before disbanding in 2016 as the members pursued solo careers.

Payne released his debut solo single, “Strip That Down,” in May 2017. The track, featuring Migos rapper Quavo, was included on the lone solo studio album of Payne’s lifetime, December 2019’s LP1. Payne’s output slowed after LP1, but he returned, in March, with the single “Teardrops.” Payne wrote the song with Jamie Scott and *NSync’s JC Chasez. He said, upon its release, “‘Teardrops’ is about the vulnerability of heartbreak and the challenge of overcoming those moments. This song marks the start of a new beginning, there’s lots more to come in 2024.”

Payne posted videos to Snapchat during his final days and seemed to be in good spirits. The posts showed his recent activities in Argentina and included images of his food, plans to play polo, and jokes about his hair. They also featured Payne's girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy, who left the country a few days ago to head back to the US.

Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson released a joint statement Thursday (October 17) on the official One Direction Instagram page to address Payne's tragic death.

"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," the statement began. "In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever."

Harry, Zayn, Niall and Louis also posted their own separate statements about Liam on their Instagram pages. Several other musicians have posted tributes to Payne, including Zedd, Charlie Puth, the Backstreet Boys, Rita Ora, and more.

Payne is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, as well as two sisters, Ruth and Nicola. He is also survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he welcomed with ex-girlfriend, Cheryl Cole, in March 2017. He and Cole parted ways in 2018 but continued to co-parent Bear.

Read more tributes to Liam Payne below.




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Article Image: Liam Payne performing during an Australia show in 2018. (pripir via DepositPhotos.)

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About Kathryn Milewski

  • New Jersey
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