New details have surfaced regarding the tragic death of former One Direction member Liam Payne. A hotel guest at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, recalled hearing a “really loud, violent scream” coming from Payne’s room just before his fatal fall. Payne, 31, passed away after falling from the balcony of his hotel room on Wednesday.
Final Moments Before the Tragedy
In an interview with People magazine, a fellow hotel guest recounted strange noises coming from Payne’s room, which they initially thought were related to construction. The noises, described as “heavy lifting” or “banging,” grew louder around 4:30 p.m. Shortly afterward, the guest reported hearing a loud scream, followed by sirens. It wasn’t until they exited the elevator that they realized the severity of the situation, as the street outside was filled with police cars.
Authorities later confirmed that Payne had fallen from his balcony and was pronounced dead at the scene. Hotel staff had reportedly called emergency services earlier, concerned about a guest who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol and had damaged objects in his room.
Emergency Response and Investigation
According to a 911 call, a hotel employee expressed fear for Payne’s safety, noting that he was acting erratically and that his room had a balcony, raising concerns for his life. When authorities arrived, they found that Payne had already fallen and sustained fatal injuries.
A preliminary autopsy revealed that Payne died from “polytrauma” and suffered internal and external hemorrhaging. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and authorities are treating it as a “dubious” death, although initial reports suggest Payne was alone during the incident and may have been experiencing a substance-induced episode.
Evidence Found in Payne’s Hotel Room
When police entered Payne’s room, they discovered it in disarray, with various items broken. Among the items recovered were packs of clonazepam, energy supplements, and other over-the-counter drugs. A whiskey bottle, lighter, and cellphone were also found near Payne’s body in the hotel courtyard.
The autopsy noted 25 injuries consistent with a fall from a significant height, and no defensive wounds were found on his hands. This led investigators to speculate that Payne may not have attempted to protect himself during the fall, possibly due to being semi-conscious or unconscious.
Payne’s Rise to Fame and Legacy
Liam Payne first gained international fame when he auditioned for The X Factor at age 14, where Simon Cowell discovered him. Although initially cut, Payne returned to the competition two years later and was placed into a supergroup alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. The group One Direction became one of the most successful boy bands ever, with chart-topping hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”
Over five years, One Direction released five successful albums and embarked on four world tours, solidifying their global fame. Payne also became a father to his son, Bear, now 7, whom he shared with his ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.
Tributes Pour In for Liam Payne
Following the news of Payne’s tragic passing, family members, friends, former bandmates, and fellow celebrities have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to the late singer. The world mourns the loss of an artist who made an indelible mark on the music industry during his time with One Direction. As investigations continue, fans and loved ones are left grappling with the heartbreaking loss of a beloved star.