Former One Direction member Liam Payne has tragically passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
The 31-year-old was staying in the Palermo neighborhood when he fell from his third-floor room, according to Argentine police. Authorities were initially alerted to reports of an “aggressive man” believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The hotel manager reported hearing a loud noise, and emergency responders later found Payne in the hotel’s interior patio, confirming his death.
Artists like Charlie Puth, along with platforms such as MTV and Spotify, expressed their shock and offered condolences. Payne, who shared a son with singer Cheryl, had been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction.
Fans gathered outside the hotel to mourn, reflecting on Payne’s influence in their lives. He had recently attended a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan during a Latin American tour.
The investigation is still ongoing, and no comment has been made by Payne’s record label.
“I’m in shock. Liam was always so kind to me,” shared American singer Charlie Puth on Instagram. “He was one of the first major artists I worked with. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
MTV, Spotify, and the BRIT Awards also expressed their sorrow online, sending condolences to Payne’s family and loved ones.
Payne, who shared a son named Bear with British TV personality Cheryl, had built a successful career beyond his One Direction days.
Neither Payne’s label, Republic Records, nor its parent company, Universal Music Group, could be reached for comment. Police audio revealed that a hotel worker had called for urgent assistance, describing an intoxicated guest causing damage to his room and warning about the potential danger due to the balcony.
Emergency workers removed Payne’s body and transported it to the morgue as fans, some tearful, gathered outside. Later in the evening, applause broke out among the crowd in tribute.
The “For You” singer first rose to fame with One Direction, a band formed alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. After finishing third on the UK’s X Factor in 2010, the group disbanded in 2016 as members pursued solo careers. Entertainment Weekly ranked One Direction as the third-best boy band of all time in 2024, with over 70 million records sold globally.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Payne’s career earned him an estimated $70 million. Fans gathered outside the hotel, where the police had cordoned off the area as night approached.
One fan, Yamila Zacarias, reflected on a missed opportunity to see One Direction live:
“He meant so much to me. One Direction was a huge part of my life, and this was the only time I could applaud him.”
Another fan, Violeta Antier, rushed to the scene after hearing the news of Payne’s death. “I saw him two weeks ago at Niall’s concert. He seemed fine,” she said.
Payne had recently attended a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan in Buenos Aires on October 2. The two shared videos together, highlighting their ongoing friendship and connection with fans.
As a songwriter, Payne contributed to some of One Direction’s biggest hits, including
“Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” He had been candid about his struggles with mental health and alcohol use. Last year, in a YouTube video, he reflected on his personal journey, family, and future musical plans after quitting alcohol, thanking his fans for their unwavering support.
Just hours before the tragedy, Payne shared moments from his trip on Snapchat, talking about horseback riding, playing polo, and his excitement to reunite with his dog. “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina,” he said in the video.