Liam Payne fans have been left heartbroken after the singer tragically died at the age of 31. The ex-One Direction member passed away this Wednesday (October 16) following a fall from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Emergency services arrived around 5pm to reports of “an aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol.” Upon arrival, they were told a loud noise had been heard in the interior courtyard. They found Payne’s body there.
Back in March of this year, Liam released his latest single, Teardrops. Introducing the song on Instagram, he said: “This song is born from many tears, not all mine. I hope you love it like I do and not too many of you can relate.”
Following the news of his untimely death, fans have taken to social media to express their dismay at his passing and share their thoughts on the song. One wrote: “Liam Payne’s recent lyrics, ‘Teardrops are falling, Down your face again, cause I Don’t know how to love you when! I am broken too’ hit particularly hard. It’s heartbreaking to think he was only 31!” Another echoed similar sentiments, saying: “The last song Liam Payne released. Singing about being a broken man. Teardrops definitely fell on my face today..”
In one of his last Instagram updates, fans have been sending their condolences to his family during this tough period. One fan commented: “Rest in peace Liam, may your family and your son be blessed and comforted during this time.”
Another expressed their disbelief: “Rest in peace. I can’t believe this.”
Liam became a father to his son, Bear, with his then-partner and former X Factor judge, Cheryl Cole, in 2017 at the age of 23.
The couple split the following year after two and a half years together. TV host Dermot O’Leary has reminisced about Liam’s audition for The X Factor at just 14 years old with future band members Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, as he paid his respects to the singer.
O’Leary, who was presenting The X Factor at the time of Payne’s auditions, has since posted a photo of them on stage to Instagram and captioned the snap: “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.”
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
Meanwhile, Harry Styles’ mother, Anne Twist, posted an image of a broken heart emoji on her Instagram, alongside the words: “Just a boy..”
Fellow contestant Cher Lloyd, who performed the same year as One Direction, also shared a touching tribute. She wrote: “From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams.
“I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”