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Tributes paid after death of One Direction’s Liam Payne, age 31: “Absolutely heartbreaking”

The former One Direction singer fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires

By Surej Singh
Liam Payne. Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty

Liam Payne has died at the age of 31, with the world of music and entertainment speaking out to pay tribute.

According to Reuters and GMA News, the former One Direction singer’s death was announced via the Buenos Aires local newspaper La Nacion after the singer reportedly fell from the third floor of an Argentine hotel.

CNN has since confirmed the British singer’s death via a statement from local authorities. In a statement to Reuters, police said they were called to the hotel in the capital’s Palermo neighbourhood where they were notified of an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” though the man was not identified as Payne.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, Buenos Aires medical emergency agency SAME Payne fell from a height of “about 13 or 14 meters,” and that he “suffered severe injuries incompatible with life.”

When contacted by Daily Mail for comment, Payne’s former fiancé Maya Henry’s representative said: “Right now she is obviously in shock.”

Liam Payne
Liam Payne. CREDIT: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty

Payne was best known for his time in One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. After the group’s indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne went on to enjoy a solo career, and has to date released one record, 2019’s ‘LP1’.

Earlier this month, he reportedly hit pause indefinitely on his sophomore record after the single ‘Teardrops’ failed to enter the UK top 30 (peaking at Number 43) and he parted ways with his manager earlier this year.

The Wolverhampton-born Payne rose to prominence after auditioning for The X Factor in 2008 at the age of 14, where he performed a cover of Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me To The Moon’. He would later be grouped with Styles, Malik, Horan and Tomlinson to form the chart-topping One Direction.

One Direction would go on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, releasing the albums ‘Up All Night’ in 2011, ‘Take Me Home’ in 2012, ‘Midnight Memories’ in 2013, ‘Four’ in 2014 and ‘Made in the A.M.’ in 2015.

Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction perform on ABC's "Good Morning America" at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on November 26, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction perform on ABC’s “Good Morning America” at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on November 26, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

‘Made in the A.M.’ was released as a four-piece following the departure of Malik. After releasing ‘Made in the A.M.’, One Direction went on hiatus with each member launching solo careers.

Last year, Payne opened up about a stint in rehab and the controversial and viral comments he made about his former One Direction bandmates.

See tributes to the late Liam Payne below.

Harry Styles’ mother wrote on Instagram: “Just a boy…”, while Zayn Malik’s sister Waliyha shared an old picture of herself with Liam, writing: “I can’t believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment… I really can’t believe it”.

The X Factor official Twitter/X page also shared a statement reading: “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”

The Wanted’s Max George paid tribute too. “Devastated. Liam was an unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will never forget that,” he wrote.

Liam Gallagher wrote on X: “Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy.” In response to a fan asking about Payne, Gallagher wrote: “very sad”.

Both Busted and McFly shared tribute too. The former said it was “devastatingly sad”, while the latter added: “We’re shocked and extremely sad to wake up to the news of Liam Payne’s death. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at such a difficult time.”

Charlie Puth wrote in an Instagram story: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…”

Ty Dolla $ign wrote: “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr sucio.”

This is a developing story

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