One Direction star Liam Payne has died suddenly aged 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Local authorities have said they will conduct an autopsy and investigate the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
Payne’s family said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
In a joint statement signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, Payne’s One Direction bandmates said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
Payne rose to fame while competing on season five of The X Factor in 2010, when he was placed in the band One Direction along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.
They went on to become one of the world’s most successful boybands, selling 70 million records and performing in stadiums around the world.
Liam Payne death: What we know so far
- One Direction share joint statement
- Louis Tomlinson posts heartfelt message calling Payne ‘the most vital part of One Direction’
- Liam Payne’s cause of death has been revealed in a preliminary autopsy
- In full: Transcript of hotel’s call to police before Liam Payne death
- What we know so far about Liam Payne’s shocking death at a Buenos Aires hotel
Camila Cabello remembers Payne for his kindness
00:41
Kevin Perry
Camila Cabello, the 27-year-old Cuban-born pop star who rose to fame as a member of girl group Fifth Harmony, has recalled the impact Payne had on her when they first met.
Writing on her Instagram Stories, Cabello said: “thank you Liam for all the joy you brought my friends and i. it really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group i loved and have him be so kind. it’s a tragedy to have him gone way too soon.”
Harry Styles remembers Payne’s ‘infectious’ energy for life
00:09
Kevin Perry
Harry Styles has posted a personal message to his Instagram page, paying tribute to Payne.
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” he writes.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around tehworld who knew and loved him, as I did.”
The best way to support young fans following singer’s shock death
23:43
Kevin Perry
All of One Direction’s many fans are going through a difficult time right now. Here’s some advice on how best to support them:
Zayn Malik posts tribute to Payne along with sweet photo
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Kevin Perry
Zayn Malik has remembered Payne on his Instagram page, sharing a sweet photo of himself asleep in Payne’s lap on a tour bus, while Payne is also asleep slumped over on top of him.
Malik captioned the image: “Love You Bro”
In a statement on another slide, Malik wrote: “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.
“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.
“When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison. I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I willcherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro”
Louis Tomlinson shares heartfelt message calling Payne ‘the most vital part of One Direction'
22:11
Kevin Perry
Following the official joint One Direction statement earlier, Louis Tomlinson has shared a heartfelt personal message on his Instagram.
Tomlinson wrote: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.
“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for. Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be. I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”
Former One Direction members share joint statement
21:39
Tom Murray
In a statement signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.
“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
“We will miss him terribly.
“We love you Liam.”
Read more:
A close friend of Liam Payne reveals messages he sent her in hours before his death
20:58
Kevin Perry
Jodie Richards, a close friend of Payne’s who taught him at her performing arts company Pink Productions in Wolverhampton, has revealed the messages he sent her just hours before his death.
Richards said there was nothing unusual about the messages, with Payne checking in about what she was up to and sending a photograph of him in his hotel room.
“I’m really close to Liam, we’ve been friends for years and he was away yesterday in Argentina and I think he just wanted to touch base and check I was okay, see how everyone was back at home.” she told Sky News.
“We speak near enough every day and have done for years. Obviously he’s always been there at times I’ve needed him even though he’s not local.”
“He was looking forward to his day, he said he was having a chill, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.”
The 41-year-old added: “He seemed fine, he looked happy, he looked healthy - no reason for any kind of concern and then obviously I heard it on the news.”
She said her initial reaction was disbelief. “I thought it was fake news, I tried to phone him,” she said. “Obviously he wasn’t answering. I tried to text him, it wasn’t going to a ‘read’ message - normally it does quite quickly, then as I turned the telly on it was getting more and more apparent it wasn’t fake.”
Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him
20:20
Roisin O'Connor
Both in the band and out of it, the pop star struggled to find his defining identity, writes Mark Beaumont. Attempts at telling the world who he is with a second solo album and a documentary fell on deaf ears. His life now cut tragically short, the singer may remain elusive forever
Noah Cyrus posts emotional response to ‘devastating, awful, heart breaking news'
20:15
Kevin Perry
The singer and actor Noah Cyrus, daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus and younger sister of Miley Cyrus, grew up as a passionate fan of One Direction.
The 24-year-old wrote an emotional post on her Instagram Stories in reaction to the shocking news of Liam Payne’s death:
“I’m not ever gonna be able to fully voice how I am feeling but..
“I feel so fortunate to have been in the same generation as Liam Payne and the phenomenon of 1D..
“Liam you are so loved and will always be loved by so many.
“This is the most devastating, awful, heart breaking news. I’m sending so much love to his family, girlfriend, and the close people around him.
“As someone who eat sleep breathed one direction and being apart of that fandom was such as huge part of my life and so many others. We are so lucky to have been apart of that fandom.
“We are so lucky to have known Liam Payne the singer and performer. But my heart goes out to the Liam Payne who was suffering behind closed doors. My heart goes out to his fans as well because I’m absolutely crushed and I imagine so many are so broken by the loss of someone so special.
“Thank you for the laughs, smiles, and songs. You will live forever through those. You will never be forgotten.
“Rest in peace Liam. I really wish you so much peace beyond this world. You deserve it.”
VIDEO: Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy reveals how they first met
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Roisin O'Connor
Halsey remembers loving One Direction ‘with an all-consuming force'
19:48
Kevin Perry
Pop star and actor Halsey has paid tribute to Liam Payne in a social media post. The 30-year-old has often described herself as a huge fan of One Direction, and in 2021 she bought a Calabasas compound from Payne for over $10m.
Writing on her personal tumblr @tiredandlonelymuse, Halsey said:
“i loved one direction with an all-consuming force when i was younger. it hurts deeply to mourn someone you were a massive fan of as teenager, and became a peer of as an adult.
“i know people change and grief is unsure or complicated when it’s attached to a fond memory or the feeling a person gave you and not tangibly the person themself. i can see many of you on here are struggling with that right now and i understand.
“a few years ago i purchased a home that Liam previously owned. there were rumors the house was haunted. He assured me it was not, and i believed him. because i know the ghosts that haunt us aren’t tethered to buildings. They live in parts of us that are harder to reach and they go wherever we do.
“as a parent, a fellow artist, and a fan, i simply cannot fathom this untimely loss. my heart goes out to his family, friends, and the fans.”
Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship: Timeline from X Factor meeting to coparenting son Bear
19:41
Ellie Muir
Liam Payne has died aged 31, after falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The One Direction singer was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy at the time of his death, while ex-fiancée Maya Henry had issued a cease and desist last week alleging that the musician continued to contact her.
Prior to meeting Cassidy in October 2022, and Henry in 2019, Liam was in a relationship with former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.
The pair share one seven-year-old son together, Bear.
We break down the timeline of the couple’s unconventional meeting and subsequent relationship below.
Liam Payne: The best way to support young fans following singer’s shock death
19:21
Roisin O'Connor
COMMENT: 'The internet response to Liam Payne’s death is disturbing and points to an emotionally inept generation’
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Roisin O'Connor
Fans of the One Direction singer took to social media to express their grief – but, asks Ryan Coogan, aren’t there better ways to pay tribute than with reaction gifs and emojis?
Liam Payne’s life after One Direction: Fame, fall outs and fatherhood
18:41
Roisin O'Connor
One Direction’s split seemed inevitable, but the break-up of one of the most successful boybands of all time still made headlines around the world and devastated millions of fans.
Formed on reality TV show The X Factor in 2010, the five-piece comprised late singer Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson. Despite placing third in the contest, the band shot to international fame upon the release of their debut single, the pop-rock anthem “What Makes You Beautiful”.
For the next six years, One Direction experienced a level of fame not seen since Beatlemania: screaming, hysterical fans; paparazzi; intrusive tabloid stories. After the band split in 2016 following a final farewell tour, each of the five members pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success.
Somewhat surprisingly, Payne – who had long-harboured ambitions of being a singer like his idols, Justin Timberlake, Usher and Chris Brown – admitted in 2017 that he had doubts about going solo. “I was just going to go into songwriting and carry on and do that,” he told Billboard. “But then I was like, ‘You’ve been trying to do this since you were 14 years old. You would be ridiculously stupid to turn down the option to have a deal.’ Coming out of the band, we had some pretty good opportunities around us. I had to do something.”
Liam Payne’s cause of death has been revealed in a preliminary autopsy
18:29
Kevin Perry
Payne died of multiple traumatic injuries caused by his fall from a third-floor hotel balcony, police in Buenos Aires, Argentina have confirmed.
A preliminary autopsy indicated that the singer suffered “internal and external” hemorrhages and multiple traumatic injuries, according to the report seen by multiple outlets.
A toxicology report is still pending.
Read the full story here:
Liam Payne praises son Bear and Cheryl as he speaks of being a better father in resurfaced video
18:21
Roisin O'Connor
Who is Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy? Inside One Direction singer’s last relationship before death
18:01
Ellie Muir
Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy had been on holiday with the singer in the days before his death.
The One Direction singer was found dead, aged 31, in a hotel courtyard in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at around 5pm local time on Wednesday (16 October) after he sustained “extremely serious injuries” from a fall from a balcony on the third floor.
Payne was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities will now perform an autopsy and investigate the cause of death.
In the days before his death, his girlfriend of two years, 25-year-old Cassidy, had joined him on his trip to Argentina, and the pair had been documenting their trip together online.
Full story:
What we know about One Direction’s Liam Payne’s sudden death at a Buenos Aires hotel
17:41
Roisin O'Connor
Scott Mills ‘can’t bear that this is where Liam’s story has ended’
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Roisin O'Connor
BBC Radio 2 host Scott Mills has said he “can't bear that this is where Liam's story has ended” as he remembered the time he spent with the late singer over the years.
He opened his afternoon show on the station by saying: “The tragic news about Liam Payne is a really hard one to take in because I never thought we would have to say goodbye to him so soon.
“I had so much fun with One Direction, as a lot of you will know, over the years and their memories will stay with me for life, and Liam was such a big part of it.”
He joked that at times he felt like the sixth member of One Direction as he was with them so often during their heyday when he presented on BBC Radio 1.
Mills also recalled laughing with Payne when the singer's father Geoff wanted a selfie with him at the One Direction movie premiere despite having met stars like David Beckham and Mariah Carey beforehand.
The presenter held back tears as he gave a special message to him, saying: “So, Geoff, I don't know if you're hearing this, but my heart goes out to you today and to the rest of Liam's family, and, of course, to his little boy.”
He added: “I just feel so incredibly sad about all of this. Liam, we had so much fun and you were always the kindest, most caring person to me.
“Thank you for letting me be part of your ride. I will never forget it. The band were all so lovely always, but Liam was kind of the grown-up one in the group, the wise one. And I can't bear that this is where Liam's story has ended.”
He then dedicated “Story Of My Life” by One Direction to Payne, his family and his fans.
Press Association
Liam Payne praises son Bear and Cheryl as he speaks of being a better father in resurfaced video
17:00
Roisin O'Connor
16:41
Roisin O'Connor
Singer Rita Ora, who performed with Liam Payne on “For You” - from the film Fifty Shades Freed - said the news of his death “breaks my heart”.
“I’m devastated,” she said in a statement. “He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage.
“This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P”
Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him
16:29
Roisin O'Connor
Both in the band and out of it, the pop star struggled to find his defining identity, writes Mark Beaumont. Attempts at telling the world who he is with a second solo album and a documentary fell on deaf ears. His life now cut tragically short, the singer may remain elusive forever.
Liam Payne’s life after One Direction: Fame, fall outs and fatherhood
16:21
Roisin O'Connor
Singer was open about his experiences in the aftermath of the band’s split, as he pursued a solo career and had a son with former ‘X Factor’ judge, Cheryl Tweedy.
Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship: Timeline from X Factor meeting to coparenting son Bear
16:04
Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne has died aged 31, after falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The One Direction singer was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy at the time of his death, while ex-fiancée Maya Henry had issued a cease and desist last week alleging that the musician continued to contact her.
Prior to meeting Cassidy in October 2022, and Henry in 2019, Liam was in a relationship with former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.
The pair share one seven-year-old son together, Bear.
We break down the timeline of the couple’s unconventional meeting and subsequent relationship below.
Busted and McFly pay tribute to Liam Payne
16:01
Roisin O'Connor
McFly and Busted stars have remembered Liam Payne as “such a nice human” and reflected on the pressures of being in the spotlight when in a boy band.
The McBusted supergroup previously supported One Direction, with whom Payne rose to fame alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, during 1D’s world tour.
Appearing on ITV's This Morning, McFly's Danny Jones said: “It's super sad. Such a nice human and it was amazing to know the guys. And I feel for his family, I feel for the band, feel for the boys, and I'm shocked. I'm genuinely shocked.”
Busted's Charlie Simpson, who started his musical career when he was aged 16, reflected on the pressures of being thrust into the limelight in a boyband.
“It is really tough. I think that especially today with social media and the pressure that comes with it now that wasn't around when we started, I think that makes it even tougher”, he said.
Fellow Busted bandmate Matt Willis also remembered Payne as “such a lovely bloke”, adding: “Music is so powerful and I think what One Direction achieved was unbelievable, so incredible. They've got such an amazing history of music, it's a beautiful thing music.”
Liam Payne: The ambitious One Direction star who struggled with dark side of fame
15:41
Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne, who rose to global fame as a member of the British pop band One Direction, has died aged 31.
The singer died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina, officials said on Wednesday 16 October. Pablo Policicchio, the spokesperson for the Security Ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, said in a statement to the Associated Press that police were dispatched to the hotel in response to an emergency call about an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Born in Wolverhampton, England, Payne was drawn to singers such as Usher and Justin Timberlake. He remembered his childhood as a happy one: his father, Geoff, worked as a fitter, while his mother, Karen, was a nursery nurse.
“It was great, though we didn’t have much,” he told The Telegraph in a 2017 interview. “Dad was in debt, but they did the best they could. It makes you dream a bit, you know?”
BREAKING: Buenos Aires police share results of Liam Payne hotel room search
15:28
Roisin O'Connor
The Buenos Aires police said they found Payne’s hotel room “in complete disarray,” with packs of clonazepam, a central nervous system depressant, as well as energy supplements and other over-the-counter drugs strewn about and “various items broken”, Reuters reports.
They added that a whiskey bottle, lighter and cellphone were retrieved from the internal hotel courtyard where Payne’s body was found.
VIDEO: Liam Payne’s first television appearance aged 14
15:21
Roisin O'Connor
The letter Liam Payne wrote to his 10-year-old self
15:18
Roisin O'Connor
A letter former One Direction singer Liam Payne wrote to his 10-year-old self for BBC Radio 1 has been reshared following his death at the age of 31.
In the letter, which was written in 2020, Payne tells himself that “for a while you’ll feel like giving up” before One Direction’s success, but told himself “don’t, as you’re about to meet four other guys on the same track as you are”.
The singer died after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, local police have said.
In the letter, which was reshared on Instagram by Radio 1 today, Payne said: “Get Ready, it’s about to get a little bumpy.
“Cherish every moment with your loved ones right now, as there’s only a few more family holidays to enjoy, life is about to turn surreal.
“You know that thing you love, singing, keep it up, when you turn 14, something magical is going to happen, and I’m not talking about puberty.
“Not only will you audition for one of the biggest music shows in the world, but you’ll also meet the future mother (then-X Factor judge, Cheryl Tweedy) of your child.
“I know it seems early, but just trust me, it’s all going to work out however it’s supposed to. I suggest you watch Back To The Future, it might help.
“You are now famous, and it feels like you’ve peaked way too early, you cocky little bugger, but you barely even started yet, take it down a notch, and remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
“Let me tell you this isn’t even base camp, and for a while, you’ll feel like giving up, but don’t as you’re about to meet four of the guys on the same track as you.
“When you first meet them, it’s going to be chaos, but just remember to enjoy yourself, stay young at heart as that’s what this point in your life is all about.
“Forgive more and learn to listen, you’ll have the most amazing time of your life, travel the world and live a life you barely imagined.
“Then it will end for a while, and you will left with nothing but the steering wheel. It will feel scary, like you’re alone, but you are not.
“You’re about to start a total new journey with the most amazing person you met so far, your son Bear.”
He went on to tell his younger self “don’t doubt yourself with this dad thing” adding “you have a lot to give”.
Payne finished: “Be grateful and try to remember every day you’re doing something you love, that took 10 years to build.
“The first single will skyrocket and you’ll never see it coming, you’ll stop with the self doubt and you’ll be fine.
“Give mum, dad, and all the family, a big hug from me.”
Simon Cowell responds to Liam Payne’s sudden death in Buenos Aires
15:01
Ellie Muir
Simon Cowell has responded to the sudden death of One Direction star Liam Payne by cancelling filming for Britain’s Got Talent.
Payne, who shot to international fame when One Direction was formed on X Factor, was found dead after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The singer had been in the country in part to support his former bandmate Niall Horan who had been performing in Buenos Aires. Payne had attended Horan’s concert earlier this month with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy before deciding to stay in the country for longer.
Simon Cowell, who formed One Direction on X Factor and was their first manager, has responded to the news by halting filming for ITV’s new series of Britain’s Got Talent, which features Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and guest judge KSI on the judging panel.
One Direction’s former publicist ‘in shock’ at Liam Payne’s death
14:31
Roisin O'Connor
Simon Jones, who worked as One Direction’s publicist after their appearance on X Factor until their split in 2016, has said he is “still in shock and heartbroken” over Liam Payne’s death.
Jones, who continues to represent former 1D stars Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, shared a brief
