The world is grieving the sudden loss of Liam Payne, whose rise to fame alongside his bandmates left an indelible mark on pop music.
The singer suffered “extremely serious injuries” after falling from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the upscale Palermo section of Argentina’s capital, according to a statement from Buenos Aires police. Immediately after the fall, medics confirmed his death, as said in the statement.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Buenos Aires Security Ministry communications director Pablo Policicchio said Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Just after 5 p.m. local time, police hurried to the hotel to respond to an emergency call. He warned of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
The singer has previously been outspoken about his battle with alcoholism. In July 2023, he uploaded a video on his YouTube channel claiming to have been sober for six months following treatment.
Two years after Payne’s initial attempt to be on the show, the five members of One Direction formed when they all tried out for the British singing competition series “The X Factor” in 2010. Payne sang Michael Buble’s rendition of “Cry Me a River” at 16 the second time around. He was apprehensive at first, but then eventually warmed up to the cheers and enthusiasm from the audience.
Despite losing the competition, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges brought together Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson to form one of the most successful bands after each artist failed to advance as single acts.
Like all of his former bandmates, Payne sought a solo career after the group’s breakup, gravitating towards hip-hop and EDM. His 2017 single, “Strip That Down,” which featured Quavo, spent several months on the charts after reaching the Billboard Top 10. In 2019, he released an album titled “LP1.” His most recent release is a single titled “Teardrops,” which came out in March.
Upon hearing the devastating news, fans and fellow artists have expressed their condolences on social media.
Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth has expressed his condolences in an Instagram story which reads, “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…”
Puth also shared a video of him and Liam laughing with each other including a text that reads, “I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Music producer Zedd mourned the singer on X and wrote, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.”
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. pic.twitter.com/wOXUTKPUiR— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 17, 2024
liam payne. 💔 pic.twitter.com/a5H0Hrf1lZ
— hard lyrics (@thesadbaby) October 17, 2024
Liam Payne’s passing hits hard. He was my childhood favorite, and his music with One Direction shaped so many memories. Forever missed.💔 https://t.co/YWkT5sRVr0
— Aryan (@rajaryan_28) October 17, 2024
The world lost a wonderful singer “Liam Payne” He was rich, talented and kind. He surrendered to substance. Irreparable loss. A worthy life lost. RIP Liam.
— Subtle_gurl_ (@Subtle_gurl_) October 17, 2024
So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024
RIP to Liam Payne,,, much too young 🙏🏾
— FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) October 16, 2024
Beyond sad to hear this news. Rest well my friend @LiamPayne 😔💙 pic.twitter.com/mtBig10CTM
— Jonas Blue (@JonasBlue) October 16, 2024
R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can't believe it prayers up for the family 🙏🏿
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) October 16, 2024
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Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.
Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world.
Rest in peace brother.
— Backstreet Boys (@backstreetboys) October 17, 2024
Payne, who was born on August 29, 1993, is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola, and his son Bear Grey Payne.
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