BUENOS AIRES, Argentina. Liam Payne, 31, former member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo district, resulting in fatal injuries. Buenos Aires police confirmed his death on-site after an emergency call was made reporting an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, stated that Payne had “jumped from the balcony of his room.”
A 911 call, obtained by The Associated Press, captured the distress of the hotel manager who reported, “He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of his death, with an autopsy underway.
Payne had publicly shared his struggles with alcoholism, and in July 2023, he posted a video on YouTube where he spoke about his sobriety, stating he had been sober for six months. Fans were shocked by the news, with many gathering outside the Casa Sur Hotel to pay their respects. A makeshift memorial was quickly set up, with candles and flowers adorning the entrance of the hotel as fans expressed their grief.
Payne rose to international fame as a member of One Direction, which was formed during the British talent show The X Factor in 2010. The band, which included Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, became one of the most successful boy bands of all time, with chart-topping hits such as “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Night Changes.” Payne was known as the responsible member of the group and had co-written several of their biggest songs.
After the group disbanded in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, transitioning into EDM and hip-hop. His debut single, “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 in 2017. He released an album, LP1, in 2019 and his most recent single, “Teardrops,” came out in March 2024.
Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he had with former partner Cheryl, and by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, as well as his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
