Former One Direction singer Liam Payne has been found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires after the 31-year-old fell from his third-floor room balcony, police say.
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In a statement, police said they were called to the hotel in the Argentine capital's leafy Palermo neighbourhood where they were notified of an "aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol."
The hotel manager said he heard a loud noise at the back of the hotel, and when police arrived they found that a man had fallen over the balcony in his room, the statement said.
Police had received a call from a worker at the hotel where Payne was staying. (EPA PHOTO)
Emergency workers confirmed the death of the British singer, who was reportedly found in the hotel's interior patio.
Police had received a call from a worker at the hotel requesting urgent help with an intoxicated guest, according to audio related to the case obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry.
"When he is conscious he is destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone," the worker said, adding that the guest's life was at risk because their room had a balcony.
Emergency responders removed the body from the hotel to take to the morgue, while fans and onlookers who had gathered through the early evening, some hugging each other and crying, burst into applause.
Reuters reporters at the scene saw crowds gathering outside the hotel, where dozens of police and emergency services teams had cordoned off an area as night fell on the city.
Local news outlet Todo Noticias TV interviewed Hernan Palazzo, who works near the hotel in Palermo, who said, "The neighbourhood is very shaken up ... There's a lot of police, some fans arriving. It is very sad."
Earlier on Wednesday, Payne had appeared to post on Snapchat about his trip in Argentina, talking about riding horses, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
"It's a lovely day here in Argentina," he said in the video.
The British singer rose to global fame as part of the pop band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
Payne released his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019. (AP PHOTO)
The boy band got its start after finishing third on the British version of the X Factor music competition show in 2010, but the group broke up in 2016 as its members pursued different projects including solo careers.
One Direction was ranked the third greatest boy band of all time by Entertainment Weekly in 2024. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Payne's One Direction and solo career helped garner him a net worth of some $US70 million.
One Direction became known for their pop sound and romantic hits like What Makes You Beautiful. They had six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts by the time they disbanded in 2016. They had a loyal fan base, many of whom were teen girls, who became known as Directioners.
Payne released his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019 which included the singles Polaroid and Familiar.
Payne had on October 2 attended the Buenos Aires concert of his former bandmate Niall Horan on the Argentine leg of a Latin American tour that spanned Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia. The two had posted videos together and with fans.
Payne's death in Buenos Aires has left fans devastated. (EPA PHOTO)
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 seven-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, with his former girlfriend, the musician Cheryl who was known as Cheryl Cole when she performed with Girls Aloud.
He is also survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.
Representatives for Payne did not immediately return emails and calls.
Paris Hilton paid tribute to Payne on social media.
So upsetting to hear the news of — Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. � RIP my friend🥺October 16, 2024
The socialite described the news as "upsetting" in a post on X, and sent her "love and condolences" to his friends and family.
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'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."
Agencies
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