Buenos Aires, Argentina – The world of music mourns the sudden and tragic death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer, who died instantly yesterday afternoon after falling 45 feet from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Argentina’s capital. He was 31.
Alberto Crescenti, head of Buenos Aires emergency services, confirmed the devastating news. In a statement to TN television, he revealed the grim details: “He had a cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death. Our role was to head there quickly, give medical attention, and try to resuscitate him, but his injuries were incompatible with life.”
Paramedics arrived at 5 pm local time (9 pm UK time), but Payne was already deceased. His identity was confirmed through his passport.
The fall occurred from a suite overlooking an interior pool and the hotel's Michelin-starred Sarco restaurant. Payne landed in the courtyard below. Police, clad in forensic suits, meticulously examined the room and balcony late into the night, a red tent erected at the scene where Payne's life tragically ended. The patio, adjacent to the swimming pool and normally used for outdoor dining at Sarco (a plant-based restaurant), was empty at the time of the incident, as Sarco closes after lunch at 4 pm, reopening for dinner service at 7:30 pm.
Payne's arrival in Argentina earlier this month was initially joyous. He had accompanied his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, to support his ex-bandmate Niall Horan's concert. However, Cassidy departed two days prior to the tragedy. This trip coincided with a period of legal action against Payne. His ex-fiancée, Maya Henry, had recently instructed lawyers to serve him with a cease-and-desist letter, alleging repeated contact despite her wishes.
The events leading up to the fall paint a disturbing picture. Audio recordings obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry reveal a series of urgent calls from a hotel worker, Esteban. In the first call, Esteban described Payne as “off his head on drugs and destroying everything in his room,” pleading for immediate assistance.
A second call, made after the line initially went dead, expressed further concern: “I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger. The room has a balcony and we are afraid he might do something.”
This was followed by a more succinct plea: “Just send an ambulance, only an ambulance.” Hotel workers reported hearing a loud sound in the courtyard shortly before Payne's body was discovered.
Local media reports suggest Payne had been acting erratically in the hotel lobby, even smashing his laptop, necessitating that he be escorted back to his room. Unverified images circulating online purportedly show his hotel room in a state of disarray, including a shattered television screen.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London confirmed it is liaising with Argentinian authorities regarding the death.
Payne’s recent social media activity offers a stark contrast to the tragic end. His final Snapchat post, originally taken last August, showed him happily posing with Cassidy. Later posts depicted him enjoying lunch in his room, revealing their unusual sleep schedule ("waking up at 1 pm every day") and their planned Halloween costumes (Forest Gump).
Other posts included cheerful captions like "Lovely day in Argentina" and "Happy I got some time away," accompanied by photos of his hotel and moments spent with Cassidy, captioned "Quality time."
The news of Payne’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow musicians, celebrities, and fans. Dermot O’Leary, who hosted The X Factor during Payne’s appearances, shared a poignant Instagram post with a photo of them together: “The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
Harry Styles' mother, Anne Twist, posted a simple but heartbreaking emoji on Instagram: "Just a boy." Olly Murs, a fellow X Factor alum, expressed his devastation, recalling their shared experiences and Payne's kindness. Max George of The Wanted spoke of Payne's support during difficult times, particularly after the death of Tom Parker.
Charlie Puth, who collaborated with Payne on "Bedroom Floor," shared his shock and memories of working with him. Ant Middleton, who formed a close friendship with Payne after filming a documentary together, expressed his disbelief and described Payne as "the glue" for One Direction.
Numerous other celebrities and organisations, including Spotify, MTV, and the Brit Awards, expressed their deep sadness.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson offered her condolences, stating: “It’s very sad news, it’s no age for someone to lose their life, and my thoughts are with his friends and family, this must be a total shock for them and very, very upsetting.”
Payne’s rise to fame began at 14 with his initial, less successful, audition for The X Factor, singing Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon." He returned two years later, ultimately finding global stardom as a member of One Direction. The band's formation, guided by Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger, quickly propelled them to international success with five albums, four world tours, and a film.
Their impact was undeniable, with millions of albums sold and a devoted fanbase. After a six-year run, the band went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, with Zayn Malik having already left in 2015.
Payne’s solo career saw him release hits like "Strip That Down" and "Get Low." His personal life included a high-profile relationship with Cheryl, with whom he shares a son, Bear, born in 2017. Payne often spoke proudly of his son, expressing the profound impact Bear had on his life. He also engaged in philanthropic work, notably donating to the Trussell Trust to provide meals to those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Payne's death is ongoing. While the immediate cause is clear, the events that led to his fall remain under scrutiny. The world remembers Liam Payne not only for his musical talent, but also for his kindness, his humour, and the lasting impact he had on millions of fans worldwide.
His legacy as a member of One Direction and his solo career will continue to resonate for years to come. The loss leaves a void in the music industry and the hearts of countless fans.
