Former One Direction singer Liam Payne died after falling from a balcony in Buenos Aires shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday. He was 31.
The British pop star fell from a third floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentinian capital, according to TMZ. It’s not clear if he jumped.
TMZ obtained a photo showing Liam’s broken body laying on a wooden deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby. The photo shows his tattoos — a clock on his left forearm, and a scorpion on his abdomen.
Emergency medical responders covered the body with a red tent.
Payne (2nd from left) was best known as a member of the popular boy band One Direction, which went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.
The “Night Changes” singer was in the country attending his former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert earlier this month.
Payne skyrocketed to fame in 2010 when he auditioned on the British “X Factor” with former bandmates Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. Together they formed One Direction.
The group signed with Simon Cowell’s record label Syco Records and released 5 albums from 2011 to 2015.
They topped the charts with hit singles such as “What Makes You Beautiful”, “Live While We’re Young”, “Best Song Ever”, “Story of My Life” and “Drag Me Down”.
Payne was previously in a relationship with British pop sensation Cheryl Cole and the pair welcomed their son Bear Grey on March 22, 2017.
He also dated model Naomi Campbell and model Maya Henry. Since October 2022, he had been in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy (pictured).
Tributes are pouring in on social media for Payne. Paris Hilton wrote: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing? Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. ? RIP my friend?
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024
We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans. pic.twitter.com/OT63aeAvGO
— MTV (@MTV) October 16, 2024
Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear ?? and all the One direction Family
RIP @LiamPayne— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) October 16, 2024
We’re incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time. pic.twitter.com/2aAtTEw5EU
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) October 16, 2024
Liam Payne, an hour before dying, posting on Snapchat. ? pic.twitter.com/iTHfzu7IMx
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) October 16, 2024
