Liam Payne: Former One Direction star dies in Argentina

Former One Direction star Liam Payne has died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

The 31-year-old singer suffered "extremely serious injuries" after falling from the third floor at the hotel in the capital Buenos Aires, police said.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentinian television that Payne, who had a seven-year-old son with former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, fell into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the city's Palermo neighbourhood.

The official declined to answer questions about how he came to fall from the balcony.

Mr Crescenti said authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting a post-mortem.

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Meanwhile, a transcript has been released of the emergency call the hotel desk manager made to 911 after the fall.

The hotel manager is heard saying he has a "guest drunk with drugs and alcohol", adding: "He is breaking everything in the room."

He later tells the operator they "need to send someone with urgency because I don't know if the guest's life is in danger because he is in a room with a balcony".

The hotel manager continues: "We are afraid he could do something that threatens life."

The 911 operator says the police and emergency medical workers have been sent to the scene.

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Argentinian media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan earlier this month.

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.

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".

One Direction fans from across the world have also been sharing poignant tributes to Payne on social media.

In the hours before his death, photos shared from the singer's Snapchat account showed him with his partner Kate Cassidy.

There was also clips, including one where he said it was a "lovely day here in Argentina".

It appears the videos were filmed earlier in the week and then posted 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."

"It's going to be a nice day," he added.

Payne had embarked on a solo career after One Direction announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus in 2015.

The band was formed on The X Factor in 2010, with Payne featuring alongside Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles. They were mentored by Simon Cowell who had also created the show.

The group finished third before signing with Cowell's "Syco" record label and going on to become one of the best-selling boybands of all time.

Payne's relationship with Cheryl, who was a judge on the X Factor, began in 2016 and ended in 2018. They named their son Bear.

Britain's Got Talent, another show created by Cowell, has cancelled its auditions in Blackpool today in light of Payne's death.

It comes as tributes from the entertainment industry have been pouring in for Payne since news of the tragedy emerged.

In a post from its official X account, the team at the X Factor wrote: "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."

Separately, Dermot O'Leary, a former host of the show, posted a photo of himself and Payne on Instagram, writing: "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. Sending love and prayers to his family."

TV presenter Rylan Clark, a former X Factor contestant, said: "Extremely sad news. (Very) tragic and so young. RIP Liam."

Olly Murs, who appeared on The X Factor a year before One Direction, said in a post on Instagram that he was "lost for words", adding that the pair shared "the same passions".

Meanwhile, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher wrote on X: "Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x."

A fan responded to his tweet: "Have you seen the news about liam payne?"

Gallagher then replied: "I have it's very sad."

Hip hop icon Flavor Flav, boxer Chris Eubank Jr and former Cultural Club singer Boy George are also among those who have paid tribute.

It comes as two of Payne's former schools, City of Wolverhampton College and St Peter's Collegiate Academy in the West Midlands, have sent their condolences to the singer's family and friends.

Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton, 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, Payne 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.

Earlier this week, it was reported she had issued legal proceedings - instructing lawyers to issue a cease and desist letter to Payne - and she posted a video on TikTok claiming the singer had been repeatedly sending her unwanted messages.

Last week, the Sun reported Payne had parted with his management company and shelved plans for a second solo album.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

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