Liam Payne 1993-2024

English singer-songwriter, and former member of one of the world’s biggest-selling boy bands, One Direction, Liam Payne was found dead after he fell from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires. The news was first reported by TMZ.

Police said in a statement that they had been called to the CasaSur hotel after being notified of an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol.” The hotel manager reported he had heard a loud noise from the inner courtyard and the police found that a man had fallen from the balcony of his room.

In audio obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry, a worker can be heard asking for police help.

E! News reports that while an autopsy has not been completed to officially determine Payne’s cause of death, Buenos Aires emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti told local newspaper La Nación that Payne suffered a “very serious” cranial fracture and “extremely serious” injuries from his fall that were ultimately “incompatible with life,” resulting in his passing. He was 31.

Payne’s family have released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

Republic Records also issued a statement, “We are deeply saddened and devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne, an extraordinary artist whose music touched millions. His legacy will live on through the timeless work he created, and he will forever be remembered as an icon of his generation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”