Former One Direction singer Liam Payne dead at 31
Singer Liam Payne has died at age 31 after an alleged fall from his hotel balcony in Argentina.
Reuters cites local media in Argentina and ambulance workers in reporting that Payne was found dead Wednesday (October 16) after an alleged fall from his hotel's third floor. Reports confirmed the former One Direction member was staying at a hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires.
"Liam James Payne, composer and guitarist, former member of the band One Direction, died today after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo," Buenos Aires police said in a statement (via The Guardian).
Digital Spy has reached out to Payne's representatives for comment.
Related: Liam Payne writes sweet tribute to One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson
The artist had seemingly travelled to Argentina to attend his former bandmate Niall Horan's concert earlier this month. The two singers have enjoyed a 1D reunion at the show, held on October 2 at the Movistar Arena in the capital.
Payne was 16 when he joined the quintet, with the boyband skyrocketing to world fame after appearing on X Factor in 2010 and going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 as the members pursued solo projects.
Alongside Payne and Horan, the band also included Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. Former member Zayn Malik left the group in 2015.
In response to Payne's death, former X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary wrote on Instagram: "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."
Following the group's decision to take a break, Payne released his solo debut album LP1, preceded by 2017 singles 'Strip That Down', 'Get Low' and 'Bedroom Floor'.
Related: Henry Cavill approves of Liam Payne's Superman impression
Other celebrities have shared their tributes to Payne, with Paris Hilton taking to Twitter/X to write: "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend".
Former X Factor star Rylan Clark acknowledged the "extremely sad news", while fellow former contestants Jedward posted a message on X, writing: "RIP Liam Payne condolences to friends and family."
Music producer Zedd, who worked with Payne on 'Get Low', also posted a message on X, writing: "RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking".
The BRIT Awards offered their condolences as well: "We're incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time."
Payne is survived by his son Bear from a previous relationship with singer Cheryl.
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