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.
The official declined to answer questions over whether he jumped from the balcony or fell by accident.
Mr Crescenti said authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting a post-mortem examination.
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Fans hold a vigil for Liam Payne outside hotel
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.
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.”
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What we know so far after Liam Payne dies
Fans flocked to the hotel after news of Payne’s death broke, with many expressing shock and heartbreak.
“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” 21-year-old Isabella Milesi said.
Payne had posted on Snapchat with his partner Kate Cassidy in the last few hours, saying it was a “lovely day here in Argentina”.
Payne posted on Snapchat in the last few hours
Payne with his partner Kate Cassidy in a post in his final 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.”
One of Payne’s final Snapchat posts, with Cassidy
“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 posted on Snapchat with Horan. Pic: Snapchat/Liam Payne
Payne (second right) with his One Direction bandmates in 2011. Pic: AP
He was part of the original line-up alongside Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles. They were mentored by Simon Cowell on the show in 2010.
Payne has a seven-year-old son called Bear with singer Cheryl, who was a judge on X Factor. The couple’s relationship began in 2016 but they split in 2018.
Payne with his son Bear
Liam Payne and Cheryl in 2018. Pic: Reuters
Tributes poured in for Payne following his death.
Former X Factor contestants Jedward posted: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One Direction family.”
Rylan Clark, who appeared on series 12 of the X Factor, said: “Extremely sad news. (Very) tragic and so young. RIP Liam.”
Payne had a complicated personal life and spoken openly about his struggles with alcoholism and mental health. He was also diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.
He 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.”
Since October 2022, Payne has been linked to influencer Cassidy, recently posting on Instagram that they “make each other better people”, and adding: “For the first time in my life I’m happy to be me and that’s priceless.”
He was previously engaged to Maya Henry, with their relationship ending in 2022.
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