Liam Payne’s tragic death after a tragic fall from a hotel in Argentina – what we know…

October 18, 2024, 2:41 p.m

Former One Direction star Liam Payne died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina. In a tragic incident that shocked the music world and devastated fans.

Here’s what’s known so far about the star’s tragic death at just 31 years old

Why was he in Argentina?

Liam arrived in Argentina two weeks before his death and stayed at the Hotel Casa Sur with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy. He was there to support his former bandmate Niall Horan, who was performing there.

As he left Niall’s concert, Liam posted a video on Snapchat Story saying he wanted to reunite with Niall: “It’s been a while since me and Niall have spoken,” he said. “I would like to clarify a few things with the boy. Not a bad vibe or anything, but we need to talk.”

Liam’s girlfriend left Argentina to return to the US two days before his death, explaining on TikTok: “We were supposed to be there for about five days and then that turned into two weeks and I just thought I had to go home.”

In the days before his death, it was reported that his ex-wife, Maya Henry, had filed a cease-and-desist order against Payne, saying he had contacted her repeatedly.

She took to TikTok and claimed that an unnamed ex of hers wouldn’t leave her or her mother alone, sending calls, emails and text messages – even to her mother – from different phone numbers and iCloud accounts. She asked, “Is this normal behavior for you?”

Liam posted on his now-deleted Snapchat stories early on October 16th enjoying breakfast with his girlfriend Cassidy and said he had “a lovely day in Argentina.”

However, it was unclear exactly when the video was recorded, as Cassidy had left two days earlier.

What happened the day he died?

Later Wednesday, police received a call from a hotel employee who claimed Payne was behaving “aggressively.” They said they believed his life was in danger.

According to Reuters, a staff member said, “He’s destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone,” and they assumed he was at risk because of the balcony in his room.

On Wednesday around 5 p.m., a man who lived next door to Payne reported hearing a “violent, male scream” before he died.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said Payne had succumbed to injuries sustained in the fall and had no chance of resuscitation.

A spokesman for the Buenos Aires City Department of Security said that Payne “threw himself from the balcony of his room.” The police found his body in the hotel courtyard, the spokesman said.

What was the official cause of death?

Payne’s body was taken to a mortuary, where doctors performed an autopsy hours after his death.

Argentina’s Penal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement on Thursday that it was a “doubtful death.”

The Argentine official said a preliminary autopsy showed he died from a skull fracture and multiple trauma, as well as internal and external bleeding.

Forensic experts found no evidence of defensive injuries or foul play.

The prosecution determined, based on the position of Payne’s body and the injuries sustained, that he “did not adopt a reflexive position to protect himself and that he may have fallen into a state of semi-consciousness or total unconsciousness.”

Officials said Payne appeared to be alone when he fell. Local police who examined his hotel room found “various destroyed items and furniture” and a smashed television screen.

Following Payne’s tragic death, tributes poured in.

Niall Horan saw Payne shortly before his death. “I feel so lucky that I got to see him recently,” he shared. “Unfortunately, little did I know that after I said goodbye and hugged him that night, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.”

He added that he was “absolutely devastated” by Payne’s death.

Payne’s family also paid tribute to PA, saying: “We are heartbroken. Liam will live on forever in our hearts and we will remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”

They added: “We support each other as a family as best we can and ask for privacy and space during this terrible time.”

Simon Cowell, who signed Payne to his record label with One Direction, has shared that he is “gutted” and an insider explained that he valued him as his own flesh and blood. Cowell canceled the Britains Got Talent auditions out of respect.