Former One Direction member Liam Payne tragically died on October 16, 2024, in Buenos Aires. The 31-year-old singer fell from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo hotel in the upscale Palermo district. Payne suffered fatal injuries from a fall of over 13 meters, with authorities confirming that resuscitation was not possible.

Alberto Crescenti, the head of Buenos Aires emergency services, stated that Payne suffered a «cranial fracture and severe injuries that resulted in his immediate death.»

He also mentioned to TN television that Payne was already dead when paramedics arrived at 5 PM local time (3 PM ET time), adding, «Our task was to respond quickly, provide medical assistance, and attempt to revive him, but his injuries were not compatible with life.»

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The exact circumstances remain unclear, though police were called to the hotel due to reports of a «violent» guest possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Payne was allegedly acting erratically and even damaging his room before the fall. Videos and photos from the scene, shared online, show the hotel courtyard and partially depict the aftermath.

Reports from hotel staff suggest that Payne had been staying there for a week, during which time he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

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Liam Payne’s hotel room? What the hell happened pic.twitter.com/kCwuVTSPxp

— b (@croatianbarbs) October 16, 2024

Payne had traveled to Argentina earlier this month to attend a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan, accompanied by his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. While Cassidy left two days ago, Payne chose to remain. At the same time, his ex-fiancée, Maya Henry, instructed her lawyers to send Payne a cease and desist letter, alleging that he had been repeatedly contacting her.

Fans have gathered outside the hotel to mourn, lighting candles and singing One Direction songs. Tributes online have poured in from fans and celebrities, including former bandmates Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. Payne had previously struggled with alcohol addiction and had recently canceled a tour due to a serious kidney infection, adding to concerns about his health. Despite sharing happy moments from Argentina with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, shortly before his death, his personal struggles resurfaced.

Payne’s passing has left a significant impact on the world of pop music, with fans and the industry alike grieving the loss of an iconic figure.

The Hotel’s Emergency Call Regarding Liam Payne

On the afternoon of October 16, a CasaSur Hotel employee in Palermo, Buenos Aires, made a 999 emergency call, urgently requesting assistance due to Liam Payne’s “erratic” and reportedly violent behavior. This is the transcript of the recorded call from Argentina’s emergency services:

• 999 responder: «What happened there, sir?»
• Hotel employee: «Well, we have a guest who is off his head on drugs and alcohol. And well, when he is conscious he is destroying everything in the room. And well, we need you to send someone, please.»
• 999 responder: «Under the effects of alcohol and drugs, did you say sir?»
• Hotel employee: «Yes, correct.»
• 999 responder: «You told me Costa Rica. Sorry but what number, sir?»
• Hotel employee: «Costa Rica, 6032.»
• 999 responder: «That is Buenos Aires capital, between Arevalo and Kramer, right?»
• Hotel employee: «Yes.»
• 999 responder: «Hotel, you said? What’s the hotel called?»
• Hotel employee: «CasaSur Palermo. And we need you to send someone urgently because, well, I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger. They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.»
• 999 responder: «How long has he been there? Or is it a residential hotel?»
• Hotel employee: «No, no. He’s been here two or three days.»
• 999 responder: «Understood. And you wouldn’t know any other information because you can’t get into the room, no?»
• Hotel employee: «No.»
• 999 responder: «We’ll notify the SAME [Sistema de Atención Médica de Emergencias – or Emergency Medical Attention Service] medical response service, okay?»
• Hotel employee: «Yes, what I ask you is that you send someone urgently because, well…»
• 999 responder: «Any other information you can give me? Who are you, the manager?»
• Hotel employee: «I am the head of reception.»
• 999 responder: «You’d be in charge at the moment, right?»
• Hotel employee: «Yes.»
• 999 responder: «What’s your name, sir?»
• Hotel employee: «Esteban.»
• 999 responder: «Okay, this has been notified. Thank you for letting us know. You can hang up now.»
• Hotel employee: «Are you sending the police as well or not?»
• 999 responder: «The police for the area you’re in? Give me a second. Area 14.»
• Hotel employee: «No, just send the SAME medical response service.»