Around 5:07 PM local time on Oct. 16, 2024, former One Direction singer Liam Payne passed away at the age of 31 after falling from a three-story balcony. Payne died at hotel Casa Sur in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he had been staying for several days prior. Payne was in Argentina to attend his former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert on Oct. 2. His body was found in the hotel’s internal courtyard, where he instantly died from both external and internal bleeding, as well as 25 traumatic injuries caused by the fall.
The police force of Buenos Aires reported that Payne’s hotel room was found in a chaotic state, with broken objects and furniture cluttered throughout. The Argentine public prosecutor also stated that alcohol and narcotics were found in his room.
Though there are currently no signs of foul play, officials believe Payne was in a state of unconsciousness due to his heavy drug and alcohol abuse. The preliminary toxicology report found that Payne had several substances in his system at the time of his passing, such as the combination of ketamine, ecstasy, and meth known as “pink cocaine”. Additional toxicology studies have been requested but have not yet been released.
Minutes before Payne’s death, a 911 call was placed by a hotel staff member, who anxiously requested assistance for a guest who had destroyed objects in their room while under the influence. Though the staff member did not specify Payne was the guest on this call, authorities have confirmed that the call was about Payne. The staff member expressed concern for Payne’s safety during this conversation with 911.
“The guest is in a room that has a balcony, and, well, we are a little afraid that he might do something life-threatening,” the caller said.
Prior to his death, Payne had been open with the media and his fans about his struggles with addiction. In July of 2023, Payne released a YouTube video to speak on his recent 100 days spent in rehab. In the video, he said he had stopped drinking and was six months sober at the time of the video’s recording.
His unhealthy relationship with alcohol began during his days with the boyband One Direction, where he became dependent on substances to cope with the overwhelming fame and extensive touring he endured from a young age. Payne also struggled with various mental health issues, such as anxiety, suicidal ideation, and agoraphobia.
The news of Payne’s has torn the hearts of not only those closest to him, but fans across the world. All four of his former bandmates have released statements expressing their grief, and his family members have expressed their devastation of his passing.
Currently, his family is arranging the repatriation of his body. Information regarding this is expected to be released around Oct. 28.
