Liam Payne, former One Direction bandmember, was found dead outside of an Argentina hotel on Oct. 16. He was 31.
Reports indicate that Payne fell from a third-floor balcony just outside his hotel room. Witnesses reported seeing Payne acting “erratically” in the hotel lobby prior to his fall.
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Buenos Aires police are reporting that Payne’s fall was “intentional”
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter investigating the scene and speaking to witnesses, the police in Buenos Aires are saying that his fall was not an accident. Police say that after examining his body, Payne had an “internal and external hemorrhage.”
In addition, photos from the scene showcase broken items in Payne’s hotel room, including a smashed TV and glass on the floor.
A hotel employee had called police, reporting the issues, as well
Embed from Getty ImagesSources note that a hotel employee had called authorities reporting a hotel guest who was “overwhelmed” with drugs and alcohol — and, that staff could not get into his room for days.
While toxicology reports are still pending, Payne had been open in the past about his substance abuse issues and his struggle with addiction.
Now, since his passing, fans and fellow celebrities have spoken out
Embed from Getty ImagesFollowing his passing, Payne’s family issued a statement through BBC, 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.”
In a collective statement, Payne’s former bandmembers of One Direction also issued a statement on social media
Former One Direction bandmates Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan chose to issue a statement together.
The statement read, “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. 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. Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
Tomlinson also posted a tribute on his Instagram page, as well
In a post, he wrote:
“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.
I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.
Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.”
He added that Payne played a huge part in the band’s success
Embed from Getty Images“And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing,” he wrote. “The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
In addition, he spoke to Payne directly
Embed from Getty Images“A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.
I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.”
He continued: “I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe tribute concluded with, “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”
Our thoughts are with Payne’s former band members and family during this difficult time.
