Former One Direction Star Liam Payne Found Dead in Argentina at 31

Liam Payne, a former member of the globally popular boy band One Direction, has been found dead at the age of 31, Al Jazeera reports.

Authorities in Buenos Aires confirmed that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighborhood on Wednesday, sustaining “extremely serious injuries.” He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Pablo Policicchio, spokesperson for the Security Ministry of the Buenos Aires municipality, police were called to the hotel after a report of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” Policicchio said that Payne “had thrown himself from the balcony of his room.” Further details surrounding the incident are currently unclear and authorities are conducting an investigation into the death.

Local media in Argentina reported that Payne had traveled to Buenos Aires to attend a concert by his former One Direction bandmate, Niall Horan.

Liam Payne rose to fame as part of One Direction, formed on the UK singing competition “The X Factor” in 2010. Along with Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, the group quickly became one of the most successful boy bands in history, garnering a global fanbase and topping charts worldwide.

During their six years together, One Direction achieved six top-10 hits on the Billboard charts, including iconic songs like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Story of My Life,” and “Perfect.” The band ultimately disbanded in 2016.

Following the group’s split, all members embarked on successful solo careers. Payne released his debut solo album, “LP1,” in 2019 and his most recent single, “Teardrops,” was released in March.

Payne is survived by his seven-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, whom he shared with his former partner, musician Cheryl Cole.