Godwin ObajeLiam Payne, former member of global pop phenomenon One Direction, has died at the age of 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentine authorities have confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred at a hotel in the capital’s upscale Palermo neighbourhood, where police were called on Wednesday after reports of “an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” according to a statement from the Buenos Aires city police.
Hotel staff told officers they heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the building. Upon arriving, police discovered that Payne had apparently fallen from the balcony of his room. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene, having found the singer in the hotel’s internal courtyard.
“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,” MTV posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Crowds began gathering outside the hotel shortly after news broke, with local television footage showing police cordons and a growing number of onlookers. Hernan Palazzo, a nearby worker interviewed by Todo Noticias TV, said: “The neighborhood is very shaken up … There’s a lot of police, some fans arriving. It is very sad.”
Payne had been in Argentina following a period of travel and appeared to be enjoying his time there. Earlier on Wednesday, he posted a short video on Snapchat, saying: “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina.” He spoke about riding horses, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
The singer, who found international fame as part of One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, had been open in recent years about his personal struggles. He had spoken publicly about his battle with addiction and time spent in rehabilitation.
Just weeks ago, Payne was seen attending a concert in Buenos Aires by his former bandmate Niall Horan, a show that reportedly drew thousands of fans in the city.
Payne rose to stardom in 2010 after One Direction finished third on The X Factor UK. The group went on to become one of the biggest boy bands of the decade, releasing five studio albums and topping charts worldwide before disbanding in 2016. He later pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album LP1 in 2019.
In 2017, Payne welcomed a son, Bear, with British television presenter and former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.
As of Wednesday evening, Payne’s record label Republic Records and parent company Universal Music Group had not commented on his death.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his fall is ongoing. Local authorities have not confirmed whether any substances were found in Payne’s system, pending autopsy results.
The music world and fans across the globe are mourning the sudden loss of an artist who helped shape a generation of pop music.
Godwin Obaje
