The world is mourning the loss of Liam Payne after he reportedly passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. He was just 31 years old.
According to the Associated Press, local officials in Buenos Aires said the former One Direction singer was found dead on Wednesday (October 16) after falling from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel and sustaining “extremely serious injuries,” with medics confirming on the scene that he had passed away.
Pablo Policicchio, spokesperson for the Security Ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, said police had already been called to the hotel for reports of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” As they arrived on scene, they heard a thump and saw Payne in the hotel courtyard.”
Following news of his passing, tributes to the singer began pouring out on social media, including from the BRIT Awards and Paris Hilton, who wrote, “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing đą Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. đ RIP my friend đ„ș”
One commenter on X (formerly Twitter) said they were “actually speechless” at the news, writing, “i feel like most of us are so shocked over liam payne’s death cause that man once was part of something our 13 year old selfs could never imagine living without.”
Another X user wrote, “Liam Payne used to be a big part of my childhood. I’m genuinely shocked.. I honestly don’t know what to say, I can’t believe this”
As of Wednesday afternoon, none of Payne’s fellow 1D members â Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson â have publicly reacted to the tragic news of their bandmate’s sudden passing. Earlier this month, Payne was seen attending Horan’s concert in Argentina, dancing along and chatting with concertgoers.
Keep reading to see fans and fellow artists’ tributes to the late musician.