The world is deeply saddened by the death of 31-year-old Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, who tragically passed away in Argentina after falling from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires.
Authorities in Buenos Aires reported that officers were initially called, on Wednesday, to the scene responding to reports of “an aggressive man who may have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol”. Upon arriving at the hotel, officials were informed that a loud noise had been heard from an interior courtyard, where they later found the body. A police investigation is now underway.
Alberto Crescenti, the director of emergency medical services, told local media that Payne sustained “serious injuries” and that an autopsy will be done.
Payne gained global fame as part of the popular boy band One Direction, formed on the X Factor show in 2010, alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik.
Fans of Liam Payne, overwhelmed with shock and grief, gathered in Buenos Aires, to honor the late singer. They lit candles at the place where the star passed away.
John Carpenter, a childhood friend of Liam Payne, expressed his deep sorrow, saying he is “absolutely shocked and heartbroken” by the tragic news. Both John and Liam attended St Peter’s Collegiate secondary school in Wolverhampton, speaking to BBC Radio WM, John says Liam was his first friend at the school.
As Liam’s fame grew, he returned to visit the school, and John remembers one particular visit when Liam was “absolutely mobbed by everyone.” John shared a moment from that day: “He actually said to me, ‘John, can you be my bodyguard, please?'”
Although their lives took different paths, John and Liam stayed in touch through Facebook and Instagram, but as One Direction’s popularity grew, Liam had to change his phone number. Reflecting on their last conversation, John remembers his last words to Liam: “I wish you absolutely the very best, but please don’t lose your head. Stay grounded and remember our time at St Peter’s wherever you go.”
Celebrities have paid tribute to the star, Olly Murs, who was on The X Factor a year before One Direction, shared his grief on Instagram, saying he was “lost for words” and called Payne’s death “devastating.” Murs remembered how they “always had a good laugh” whenever they met and often talked about “how annoyingly good his hair always looked,”.
Dermot O’Leary, who hosted The X Factor during Payne’s time on the show, also honored him with a heartfelt Instagram post. Alongside a photo of them on stage, O’Leary wrote, “The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing, he was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
The unexpected passing of Liam Payne has left a mark in the hearts of many, fans and friends unite to celebrate his life, ensuring that his memory will continue to live in their hearts.
