Former One Direction star Liam Payne has been found dead at a hotel in Argentina.
The 31-year-old suffered "extremely serious injuries" in a fall from the third floor of the building in Buenos Aires.
The head of the state emergency medical system Alberto Crescenti said the singer fell into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting a post-mortem examination.
Police responded to an emergency call from the hotel manager who had become concerned for the welfare of a guest, the AP reports.
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Fans flocked to the hotel after news of Payne's death broke, with many expressing shock and heartbreak.
"I didn't think he was going to die so young," 21-year-old Isabella Milesi said.
Hernan Palazzo, who works near the hotel, said the neighbourhood was "very shaken up... there's a lot of police, some fans arriving. It is very sad".
Argentina
Argentinian media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan’s concert.
Payne had posted on Snapchat in the hours before his death, sharing photos of himself with his partner Kate Cassidy as well as videos in which he said it was a "lovely day here in Argentina".
It appears he filmed the videos earlier in the week and then posted them in his final hours.
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Payne embarked on a solo career after One Direction announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus in 2015.
The band was formed on The X Factor in 2010, with Payne joining Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles in the Simon Cowell-mentored group.
Payne has a seven-year-old son called Bear with singer Cheryl Ann Tweedy, who was a judge on The X Factor.
Their relationship began in 2016 but they split in 2018.
Tributes are pouring in for Payne this morning.
Former X Factor host Dermot O'Leary posted a photo of himself and Payne on Instagram, writing: "The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
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Charlie Puth, who collaborated with Payne on the track Bedroom Floor, posted on Instagram: "I am in shock right now.
"Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone."
Former X Factor contestants Jedward posted: "Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One Direction family."
Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear ❤️ and all the One direction Family
RIP @LiamPayne— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) October 16, 2024
Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton, had a complicated personal life and spoken openly about his struggles with alcoholism and mental health. He was also diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.
Since October 2022, Payne has been linked to influencer Cassidy, recently posting on Instagram that they "make each other better people", and adding: "For the first time in my life I'm happy to be me and that's priceless."
He was previously engaged to Maya Henry, with their relationship ending in 2022.
Reporting from Michael Staines and IRN.
