Image Credits - Rolling Stone
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Former One Direction star Liam Payne has tragically died at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. The singer’s death was confirmed on Wednesday following the incident, which occurred just days before he was set to return to the UK.
An autopsy revealed Payne suffered “multiple traumas” leading to internal and external bleeding after a 10-meter fall from his hotel room. According to local reports, authorities were alerted around 5 p.m. to an “aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol.” Emergency teams arrived at the scene shortly after hearing a loud noise from the hotel courtyard, where Payne was found unresponsive.
Payne, who rose to fame as part of the global sensation One Direction, was reportedly “acting erratic” in the lobby before the tragic fall. Witnesses claimed he had smashed a laptop and was escorted back to his room shortly before the fatal incident. His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, had reportedly left the hotel days earlier, citing personal reasons.
The British Foreign Office confirmed they are in touch with Argentine authorities as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death continues.
The heartbreaking news has prompted an outpouring of tributes across social media. Jack Grealish shared a touching tribute on Instagram, while Payne’s former bandmates and fans expressed their grief. One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson called Payne’s death “the loss of a brother,” and Zayn Malik was said to be in “absolute bits” following the devastating news.
Payne, who achieved worldwide fame after The X Factor catapulted One Direction to stardom, pursued a solo career after the group’s 2016 breakup. He leaves behind his young son, Bear, whose future will now be secured by Payne’s multi-million-dollar estate.
As fans and celebrities alike mourn the loss of the beloved star, the music world has been left shaken by the untimely passing of one of its brightest talents.