Liam Payne Has Died In Argentina

Liam Payne has died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On Oct. 16, local police were called to the CasaSur Palermo Hotel after reports of "an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” per Reuters, though the police’s statement did not identify that man was Payne.

Payne’s death was confirmed by the director of emergency services in Buenos Aires, Alberto Crescenti, per the New York Times. “Our role was to head there quickly, give medical attention and try to resuscitate him, but his injuries were incompatible with life,” Crescenti said in a statement, according to the US Sun. “Based on what the team saw, there was apparently a cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death.”

The former One Direction band member was 31 and is survived by his son Bear, age 7. Following his death, Payne family’s released a statement to BBC. “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” the statement read. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

According to Buenos Aires news outlet Clarín and fan videos on social media, Payne had recently attended Niall Horan’s concert in Argentina on Oct. 2. Payne, Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik were part of One Direction, a boy band that came to life on the X Factor in 2010. One Direction gained popularity with hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Night Changes,” but they eventually split up in 2016. Since, the band members pursued solo careers.

Celebrities have started sharing tributes to Payne on social media.

Charlie Puth, a co-writer on Payne's 2017 song, "Bedroom Floor," posted on his Instagram stories. "I am in shock right now, Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone."

On X, Paris Hilton posted, “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”

Zedd, who Payne worked with on his 2019 album LP1, mourned Payne’s loss on X, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking …”

Ty Dolla $ign posted a video of Payne to his Instagram stories and wrote, "Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u fr fr sucio💔💔."

Rita Ora posted a photo of the two working together. “I’m devastated 💔 He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage,” she wrote on X. “This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”

Harry Styles’ mom, Anne Twist, posted the broken heart emoji on Instagram, with the caption “Just a boy … 💔” So far, the other former members of One Direction have yet to respond.

This story is still developing. More to come.