Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band attracted a global following of devoted fans, was found dead on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, according to local officials.
Buenos Aires police stated that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the fashionable Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital, resulting in “extremely serious injuries.” Medics confirmed his death at the scene, the statement indicated.
Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, informed The Associated Press that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police were dispatched to the hotel following an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, which reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
The hotel manager can be heard on a 911 call, obtained by the AP, stating that they had “a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol … He’s destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone, please.” As the call continued, the manager’s tone grew more anxious, mentioning that the room had a balcony.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel that authorities were investigating the circumstances of Payne’s death and conducting an autopsy.
Payne had openly discussed his struggles with alcoholism, posting a video to his YouTube channel in July 2023 in which he revealed he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment. Representatives for Payne did not immediately respond to emails and calls.
Dozens of One Direction fans gathered from across Buenos Aires at the Casa Sur Hotel following the news, forming queues that spilled into the cordoned-off street outside, where police stood guard. Forensic investigators were seen leaving the hotel, from which Payne’s body was removed approximately three hours after the fall. Young women filming with their mobile phones expressed shock and heartbreak as a makeshift memorial of candles and bouquets quickly took shape outside the hotel.
Payne was one of five members of One Direction, which formed when they each auditioned for the British singing competition series “The X Factor” in 2010, two years after Payne’s initial attempt to join the show. At 16, during his second audition, Payne performed Michael Bublé’s rendition of “Cry Me a River,” initially appearing nervous but warming up in response to the audience’s cheers.
After each singer failed to progress as solo acts, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges combined Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson into what would become one of the most successful boy bands, despite losing the competition.
Each member cultivated a distinct persona, with Payne—hailing from Wolverhampton in the West Midlands—known as the responsible one. The band became famous for their pop sound and romantic hits such as “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes,” and “Story of My Life.” Payne had notable solos on tracks like “Stole My Heart” and “Change Your Ticket,” co-writing several of the band’s hits. By the time they disbanded in 2016, they had achieved six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts and had a highly dedicated fanbase known as “Directioners,” many of whom were teenage girls.
After the group’s split, Payne, like each of his former bandmates, pursued a solo career, leaning towards EDM and hip-hop. His 2017 single “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 and remained on the charts for several months. He released an album, “LP1,” in 2019, with his latest single, “Teardrops,” coming out in March.
Payne had a 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, with his former girlfriend, musician Cheryl, known as Cheryl Cole during her time with Girls Aloud. She was an “X Factor” judge during One Direction’s season, although their relationship began years later. Payne was previously engaged to Maya Henry from August 2020 to early 2022. Henry released a novel earlier this year, claiming it was based on their relationship.
In addition to his son, he is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.
