The details around Liam Payne’s death are pending investigation findings from authorities in Argentina, but here’s what we do know about his final weeks.
The 31-year-old English singer, who rose to stardom with One Direction before the group split in 2016, flew to Buenos Aires in late September. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, for a portion of the trip. He also reunited with his former bandmate Niall Horan, who was performing at the Movistar Arena on Oct. 2 and 4.
Prosecutors believe Payne was alone when he fell from his room on the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel room, according to a press release. He died from “multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding.”
Payne — who is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear, with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole — had been candid about suffering from alcoholism. He posted a YouTube video in July 2023 talking about completing a three-month stint in rehab and being six months sober.
On Thursday, his former group — Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik — released a joint statement reacting to the news of Payne’s death.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” they said. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
His family released a statement on Thursday, saying, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
