Former One Direction star Liam Payne has been found dead in Argentina.
The 31-year-old singer had fallen from the third floor of a hotel in the capital Buenos Aires, suffering “extremely serious injuries”, police said.
Follow latest updates after Liam Payne found dead
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentinian television that Payne fell into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood.
Pablo Policicchio, a spokesperson for the security ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, said the musician “had thrown himself from the balcony of his room”.
However Mr Crescenti declined to answer questions over how Payne fell from the balcony.
The official said authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting a post-mortem examination.
According to TV network Telemundo, police had been called to the hotel to reports of an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Argentinian media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.
Fans gathering outside the hotel in Buenos Aires where Payne died
Hernan Palazzo, who works near the hotel, said the neighbourhood was “very shaken up… there’s a lot of police, some fans arriving. It is very sad.”
Payne had posted on Snapchat in the last few hours, saying it was a “lovely day here in Argentina”.
Payne posted on Snapchat in the last few hours
“Just enjoying coffee and breakfast, even though it’s like 1pm,” he said. “Literally sleep in every day until like 12. We’re such losers.”
The star spoke about “going to ride some horses” and said: “Think I’m going to play polo again which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks.”
Liam Payne with social media influencer Kate Cassidy in 2023. Pic: PA
“It’s going to be a nice day,” he added.
Payne embarked on a solo career after One Direction announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus in 2015.
Payne (second right) with his One Direction bandmates in 2011. Pic: AP
He was part of the original line-up, formed on X Factor in 2010, alongside Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles. They were mentored
Payne has a seven-year-old son called Bear from his previous relationship with singer Cheryl, who was a judge on X Factor.
Payne with his son Bear
Liam Payne and Cheryl in 2018. Pic: Reuters
Payne had previously spoken about suffering with suicidal thoughts, admitting that he was “lucky to still be here”.
In 2019, he addressed his mental health on Sky show Straight Talking with Ant Middleton, where he spoke about his struggles with fame.
Describing fame as like “having a weird midlife crisis”, Payne said: “For some certain circumstances, I’m quite lucky to be here still.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
