Liam Payne, former member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, was found dead in Buenos Aires on Oct. 16 after falling from a third-story balcony at a hotel, according to local police. Payne, 31, leaves behind his 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl Cole.
The tragic incident occurred at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires’ Palermo neighborhood. Authorities responded to an emergency call from hotel staff, who reported Payne was “under the influence of drugs or alcohol” and behaving aggressively. Police discovered Payne’s body in the courtyard beneath his balcony after receiving reports of a loud noise. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Payne’s death has left fans around the world shocked. A crowd gathered outside the hotel to pay tribute, singing his songs and lighting candles.
Liam Payne shot to fame in 2010 as part of One Direction, a boy band formed by Simon Cowell on the UK’s The X Factor. The group quickly became a global sensation, selling 70 million records and achieving six top 10 Billboard hits with songs like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.” Payne co-wrote many of the band’s songs, including the fan-favorite “Night Changes.”
After One Direction announced an “indefinite hiatus” in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album LP1 in 2019. His last single, “Teardrop,” was released in March 2023. However, in recent years, Payne had publicly discussed his struggles with alcoholism and mental health. In a 2023 video posted to YouTube, he shared that he had entered a treatment program to address these issues and had been sober for six months.
Despite his struggles, Payne remained committed to his son Bear, often sharing stories about their bond. In a resurfaced Snapchat video recorded on his birthday in August, Payne reflected on his relationship with his son. “He’s a big boy now, a mini-me,” Payne said, expressing his excitement to speak with Bear later that day.
Payne’s family, in a statement following the news, said they were “heartbroken” and asked for privacy. “Liam will live forever in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.”
The circumstances surrounding Payne’s death remain under investigation. Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system in Buenos Aires, confirmed that an autopsy is being conducted.
Payne’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians and fans. Payne’s former bandmates have not yet publicly commented.
In recent weeks, Payne had been attending former bandmate Niall Horan’s concerts in Argentina, where fans said he appeared in good spirits. His sudden death has stunned the music world and marked the end of a career that began with One Direction’s meteoric rise to fame and continued as Payne forged his own path in music.