Liam Payne’s death at the age of 31 sent shockwaves – and devastated fans gathered outside the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires to mourn him.
The British singer, who rose to superstardom as part of One Direction, fell to his death from the third-floor balcony of his hotel on October 16. He is survived by his parents, his two older sisters and his 7-year-old son. Bear, whom he shares with his ex-girlfriend, singer Cheryl Cole.
“We are heartbroken,” his family said in a statement released by his spokesperson. “Liam will live on in our hearts forever and we will remember him for his kind, funny and courageous soul. We support each other as best we can.” a family and ask for privacy and space in this terrible time.”
As his death made headlines around the world, hundreds of fans – who went into 1D mania when the boy band burst onto the scene in 2010 – gathered outside the Argentinian hotel where he died to honor him with candles, flowers, letters and songs .
A makeshift altar with lit candles stood on the sidewalk outside the hotel. Fans sat on the sidewalk crying and hugging each other.
There were handwritten letters, including one that said: ‘We love you Liam. Thank you for loving us too. You will be remembered. Thank you for your kindness. Rest in peace.’
Photos from fan magazine profiles of the singer – who visited Buenos Aires, where he attended his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s concert on October 2 – from his early days of fame were pasted onto a post.
Police had closed part of the road to traffic and the hotel entrance was cordoned off with tape.
A grieving Violeta Antier told Reuters she came to the hotel immediately after hearing the news.
“I saw him two weeks ago with a Niall [Horan] concert,” Antier said. ‘He was there, I saw him. He was fine.”
Another fan, Martina Belaustgui, told the Guardian she felt “heartbroken.”
“I remember being bullied a lot at school as a kid and his songs helped,” she said. I’m devastated. I came as soon as I heard the news. I saw him on Niall’s show a few weeks ago. He sang and danced and jumped.”
Fans sang Payne’s songs – and played them too.
Payne showed his talent The X factor Britain in 2008. Two years later he catapulted to stardom with the British group that conquered the world. The band went on indefinite hiatus in 2016. Payne launched a solo career and released his album. LP1 in 2019. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction.
The events surrounding Payne’s death are still unclear. There was a 911 call from Casa Sur by a hotel manager about an “aggressive man.” Buenos Aires police said Payne suffered “extremely serious injuries” from his fall from the balcony.
Payne arrived in town in late September with girlfriend Kate Cassidy. She previously said in a TikTok post that they extended their trip after arriving. Cassidy left days before Payne’s death, she shared on social media.
