Liam Payne, a former member of the globally famous boy band One Direction, tragically passed away at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
How did he die?
Local officials reported that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital on Wednesday, resulting in fatal injuries. Medics confirmed his death on the scene.
According to police reports, Payne had been acting aggressively and was possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol shortly before the incident. The hotel manager’s emergency call described Payne as being overwhelmed by substances and noted that he was destroying his hotel room, which had a balcony.
Liam Payne and One Direction
Payne first rose to fame in 2010 as one of five members of the boy band One Direction, which was formed during the British singing competition show The X Factor. After initially auditioning as a solo act, Liam Payne, along with Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, was grouped together by Nicole Scherzinger, Simon Cowell and other fellow judges.
Although they didn’t win the competition but eventually One Direction went on to become one of the most successful boy bands of all time.
Known for their pop sound and romantic ballads, the band achieved global fame with songs like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes,” and “Story of My Life.”
One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)
During his time with One Direction, Payne became known as the “responsible one” in the group. He co-wrote several of the band’s hits and had notable solos on songs like “Stole My Heart” and “Change Your Ticket.”
The band achieved six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts before they disbanded in 2016 following Zayn Malik who left the band first in 2015. Their fan base, known as “Directioners,” was intensely loyal, with many fans expressing their devastation at Payne’s untimely death.
Following the dissolution of One Direction, Payne launched a solo career, shifting toward a more EDM and hip-hop sound. His 2017 single “Strip That Down,” featuring rapper Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 and remained on the charts for months. Payne continued releasing music, including his debut solo album LP1 in 2019 and his final and last single, “Teardrops,” in March 2023.
Liam Payne – Strip That Down ft. Quavo
Liam Payne’s personal life
Liam Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, whom he shares with British musician Cheryl (formerly Cheryl Cole). Payne had previously been engaged to Maya Henry, though they ended their engagement in early 2022. Despite his struggles with the pressures of fame, Payne remained beloved by fans and is remembered for his significant contributions to music and pop culture.