Liam Payne, pop artist and former One Direction singer, has died at age 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday.
Alberto Crescenti, director of emergency services in Buenos Aires, confirmed the singer’s death. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall, but the cause has yet to be determined.
Payne, who rose to fame as a member of the British-Irish boy band One Direction, was staying at the Casa Sur hotel while in Argentina as part of his South American tour.
Earlier this week, he made headlines following reports that his ex-fiancée, Maya Henry, alleged Payne had left her after asking her to get an abortion. Payne had not publicly commented on the claims.
The Buenos Aires capital police released a statement saying they were called to the hotel after receiving a report of “an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol.”
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Payne unresponsive. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
In June 2021, Payne publicly revealed his struggles with alcohol and prescription drug addictions, stating that the pressures of fame had taken a “severe” toll on his mental health.
At the time, he shared that he had worked hard to get sober and focus on his personal well-being.
Payne first rose to prominence in 2010 as a member of One Direction, formed on the British singing competition show “The X Factor”. The band became one of the best-selling boy bands in history, with hits such as “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”
After the group went on hiatus in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album, “LP1”, in 2019. Known for songs like “Strip That Down” and “Familiar,” he built a successful career in his own right.
Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with British singer Cheryl.
The investigation into Payne’s death is ongoing.