Bronwen K Bradshaw, Arts & Entertainment Editor 

(Image from USA Today) 

31-year-old English singer-songwriter Liam Payne died Wednesday, Oct. 16, after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was staying with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. Police say they discovered Payne after receiving a distressing call from the hotel staff. 

According to CNN’s report on the matter, in the call, the hotel manager described to the police that they had “a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol.” They also stated that that guest was breaking things and causing a disturbance at the hotel. The hotel manager also told police that Payne’s hotel room had a balcony, and the staff were worried about his safety and that of others.  

Liam Payne started his musical career at 14 when he auditioned for the hit singing show The X Factor. At first, Payne was cut due to age and decided to audition again in 2016. Two years later, he was grouped with Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik to form the supergroup boy band One Direction. After their success on The X Factor, the young men were signed to Simon Cowell’s record company Syco Records and went on tour that changed everything. 

Almost immediately, One Direction had a massive audience, selling out venues worldwide and selling over 70 million records. After many successful years together, the band decided to disband in 2016 for each artist to pursue their own solo careers. The following year, Payne released his first single, “Strip That Down,” featuring rapper Quavo, and hit the Top Ten in Britain. In 2018, Payne released his second single, “For You,” in which he collaborated with Rita Ora. This second track was also a hit in Britain. However, when Payne released his debut album, LP1, in 2019, he did not make the top U.S. 100 list.  

Following his years in One Direction, Payne had been open about his struggles with substance abuse and his mental health. In an interview with Men’s Health Australia in 2019, Payne discussed his struggles with anxiety and newfound fame. Payne stated, “When you’re doing hundreds and hundreds of [concerts], and it’s the same 22 songs at the same time every single day, even if you’re not happy, you’ve got to go out there.” Payne also discussed in the interview how he often drank alcohol to combat his feelings of loneliness and anxiety. That same year, Payne did another interview with Sky News, in which he opened up about having suicidal thoughts and depression both during his time in One Direction and after the band separated.  

In July 2023, Payne released a YouTube video detailing his experience of 100 days in rehab. In the video, he stated he had been sober for six months at the point of the video’s release. Payne said that he was better and focused on raising his son, Bear, now 7 years old.  

Many fans and friends have shown their love and condolences on social media after his death. The remaining One Direction members spoke out in a joint statement on Instagram, stating, “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.” 

Cheryl Cole, X Factor judge and mother of Payne’s son Bear also said, “What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.”  

Other fans have taken to Payne’s last Instagram post to show their love and support for the lost artist. Many thank Payne for his work in One Direction and for touching so many of their lives with his music. Payne left behind an amazing legacy and truly helped be a part of musical history and inspire a generation of young people everywhere.