Former One Direction member Liam Payne has died
WASHINGTON — Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, was found dead after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, local officials told Argentine media.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentina's Todo Noticias TV channel that Payne fell into a courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina's capital. Crescenti declined to answer further questions about the incident, including whether Payne jumped from the balcony or fell by accident.
Argentine media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.
Payne rose to fame as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction, which was formed on the UK version of The X Factor in 2010. After the band went on hiatus in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing hit singles like "Strip That Down" and collaborating with various artists.
Payne had a 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, with his former girlfriend, the musician Cheryl who was known as Cheryl Cole when she performed with Girls Aloud. He is also survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola. Representatives for Payne did not immediately return emails and calls.
This is a breaking news story. Check back later for more updates.
