Zayn Malik ‘in absolute disarray’ over Liam Payne’s tragic death as his loved ones ‘don’t want him alone’

However, the insider clarified that the two men “respected each other from a distance.”

Payne had been vacationing in Buenos Aires with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, who finally returned to the US a few days ago.

They had originally been in the South American city to support former One Direction star Niall Horan, who was performing there. However, the couple decided to spend some more time in Argentina.

However, Cassidy was not present at the time of Payne’s death, having recently made the decision to go home.

It was announced on Wednesday evening that he fell from the third floor of his hotel balcony after police were called to reports of an “aggressive male who may have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol”.

The spokesman for the city’s emergency services, Alberto Crescenti, told the media that “the injuries he sustained as a result of the fall were fatal. There was no way to revive him.”

911 CALL

LISTEN HERE: Translated transcript of 911 call from staff at Liam Payne’s Argentinian hotel

Stars from across showbiz have paid tribute to the singer following the tragedy. Simon Cowell, who created One Direction on the 2011 X Factor, stepped down from his role on Britain’s Got Talent amid the news.

The Sun reports that Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and Bruno Tonioli will continue filming the show after music mogul Cowell steps down.

It has also been reported that former Strictly Come Dancing star Tonioli will act as Cowell’s official replacement.

A source told the publication: “This news has hit Simon incredibly hard – he is deeply shocked and devastated.”

“He adored Liam and was close to his family, who I’m sure he will contact privately. He didn’t feel it was right to continue filming BGT and when filming resumes on Saturday he doesn’t think he’ll be in the right headspace to continue.

“All the judges and the production team are incredibly supportive.”