The music industry has suffered a heavy loss. Liam Payne, one of the five members of the British boy band One Direction, has died. He was 31 years old.
As reported by the Associated Press, Payne fell three floors from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, suffering “extremely serious injuries”. The head of the state emergency medical system, Alberto Crescenti, confirmed that the singer was found dead in the courtyard of Casa Sur Hotel. Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, stated that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.”
Singer Liam Payne Found Dead At 31
Payne was found dead by the police who received a 911 call about an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol.” The authorities haven’t identified the caller as Payne. The investigation into his death is underway and the police haven’t ruled the death as an accident or suicide yet.
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Fans have gathered outside the Palermo hotel where Liam breathed his last and social media has been flooded with tributes for the departed musician. Shortly before his death, Payne posted a video of enjoying his day on Snapchat. The video has gone viral on social media.
Liam Payne on Snapchat, less than an hour before his death😭 pic.twitter.com/ZLL4ZKSVS4
— Out of Context Human Race (@NoContextHumans) October 16, 2024
Payne was open about his struggles with drinking. He admitted to having suicidal thoughts too, but he got help and embraced sobriety. In an interview with IFL TV in 2023, he said, “I’m sober now, over 100 days. I feel amazing, I feel really, really good and the support from the fans has been really, really good, so I’m super happy.”
Liam Payne’s Life And Legacy
Born in Wolverhampton, England, Liam Payne rose to global fame after competing in the UK’s ‘The X Factor’ in 2008. While he was initially cut from the talent show, he later returned as part of the pop band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. While they finished third on the show, judge Simon Cowell signed them to his Syco Entertainment. The group reached the height of fame with many chartbuster songs. They sold 70 million records and played to thousands of die-hard fans at sold out stadiums around the world.
In 2015, coping with Zayn Malik’s exit, the remaining four members decided to go on a hiatus. Payne then released his debut solo album in 2019 titled ‘LP1’. One Direction disbanded in 2016 as the members pursued different projects and solo careers.
While debates surrounded the former band members about the pitfalls of fame and riches, Payne came to look at it with an assurance of a live well lived. He told BBC in 2019, “I wouldn’t change it. I know it’s where I’m supposed to be in the world now. I was very confused about fame when it all happened; and learning to be a person outside of your job was difficult. But now I feel like I get it. I’m a lucky boy.”
In case you missed it: Zayn Malik Shares Regrets Over Taking ‘Things Too Seriously’ While He Was In One Direction, Says Teen Angst Isn’t Cool
Last year, Payne also made an announcement about a new album and a tour. Unfortunately, it had to be postponed as the singer suffered a kidney infection. This year in March, he excitedly released his song ‘Teardrops’.
Payne is survived by a son, whom he welcomed with former Girls Aloud singing group member Cheryl Cole in 2017.
