Key points
- Singer Liam Payne has died in Buenos Aires.
- Police said he was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel.
- The 31-year-old rose to fame as part of boy band One Direction.
Former One Direction singer Liam Payne has died in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, police have confirmed.
Local media reported on Wednesday that the 31-year-old British musician was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel in the city.
Leading local newspapers La Nacion and Clarin quoted officials and reported that police were called to the hotel in the capital’s Palermo district in response to an emergency call referring to “an aggressive man who may be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” .
According to news reports, Payne was found in the courtyard of a hotel.
Singer Liam Payne rose to fame as a member of the British boy band One Direction. Source: Getty / Dave J.Hogan
Earlier on Wednesday, Payne appeared to post on Snapchat about his trip to Argentina, talking about horseback riding, playing polo and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
“It’s a beautiful day here in Argentina,” he said in the video.
Argentine media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan’s concert.
Who was Liam Payne?
Born in the English city of Wolverhampton, Payne rose to worldwide fame as part of the now disbanded pop band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
The boy band started after finishing third on the British version of the X Factor music competition show in 2010.
Payne initially auditioned as a solo act, but was given a second chance to return as part of a group on Bootcamp, which would become one of the talent show’s biggest success stories.
One Direction became one of the biggest pop groups in the world with five albums, four world tours and one film, and sold more than 20 million albums.
The group disbanded in 2016 as the members pursued various projects, including a solo career.
Liam Payne, second from right, rose to fame as a member of One Direction. Source: AP / Jonathan Short
In 2017, Payne released his debut solo single Strip That Down to commercial success. It peaked at number three in the UK and number 10 in the US.
In December 2019, he released his debut solo album LP1, which included the singles Polaroid and Familiar.
The musician has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and using alcohol to cope with the pressures of fame.
Payne had a son, Bear, with former Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole in 2017.
‘A pleasure to be around’
Fans and celebrities have started paying tribute to the singer on social media.
“So upsetting to hear the news that Liam Payne has passed away,” Paris Hilton wrote on X.
“I send love and condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP my friend.”
Journalist Dan Wootton described Payne’s death as a “terrible tragedy and a waste of life”, saying the singer was a “joy to be around”.
The official X account for the BRIT Awards said: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Liam Payne.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time.”
DJ and music producer Zedd called the news “absolutely heartbreaking.”
Former X-Factor contestant Rylan said Payne’s death was “so tragic”, while singing duo Jedward sent their love to his young son Bear and family.
A statement on MTV’s official social media accounts said: “We are deeply saddened to learn today of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. During this difficult time, our thoughts remain with his family, loved ones and fans.”
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