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Liam Payne‘s father has “thanked” his son’s fans for their support over the singer’s sudden death, aged 31, after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Geoff Payne arrived in Buenos Aires on Friday (18 October) to arrange for the return of his son’s body to the UK, and was seen reading tributes and kissing photos of his son outside the hotel where he died
Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have said they are “devastated” over the singer’s death, while Cheryl, the mother of Payne’s 7-year-old son Bear, has opened up about her grief at an “indescribably painful time.”
The singer, who shot to fame after joining the pop group on reality TV contest The X Factor in 2010 along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, was described as a “kind, funny and brave soul” in a tribute from his surviving bandmates.
Payne’s cause of death was revealed in a preliminary autopsy on Thursday 17 October. Photos taken by officials of his hotel room showed it in a state of disarray, with a smashed TV screen and debris scattered around the surfaces.
Liam Payne’s post-One Direction timeline: from podcast fall outs to fatherhood
For the next six years, One Direction experienced a level of fame not seen since Beatlemania: screaming, hysterical fans; paparazzi; intrusive tabloid stories. After the band split in 2016 following a final farewell tour, each of the five members pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success.
Somewhat surprisingly, Payne – who had long-harboured ambitions of being a singer like his idols, Justin Timberlake, Usher and Chris Brown – admitted in 2017 that he had doubts about going solo. “I was just going to go into songwriting and carry on and do that,” he told Billboard. “But then I was like, ‘You’ve been trying to do this since you were 14 years old. You would be ridiculously stupid to turn down the option to have a deal.’ Coming out of the band, we had some pretty good opportunities around us. I had to do something.”
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 12:41
COMMENT: Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 12:21
Liam Payne’s hometown residents compare One Direction star to Elvis as they call for more industry support
Liam Payne’s hometown residents compare One Direction star to Elvis Presley
Liam Payne’s hometown residents compared him to Elvis Presley as they mourned the One Direction star after his death aged 31. The “Teardrops” singer died in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, 16 October, after falling from the balcony of his hotel room. Payne was born in Wolverhampton and attended school at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy. Reflecting on his death, residents Anthony and Ginny said: “There won’t be another Liam… It’s like when Elvis went.” “I don’t think they’ve got enough support when they go into the [music] business from a young age.”
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 12:01
Reports Liam Payne was ‘dropped by record label’ as X Factor co-star hits out at Simon Cowell
Waissel shared a lengthy statement upon the news of Payne’s death, calling him her “dear friend” and her “confident”, who offered her support during some of her “darkest moments” while on The X Factor.
“Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul,” she said. “His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 11:41
Liam Payne’s ‘devastated’ One Direction bandmates share tribute: ‘We will miss him terribly’
In a statement signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates said: “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.
“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.”
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 11:21
VIDEO: Candlelit vigil held for Liam Payne at singer’s old secondary school in Wolverhampton
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 11:00
The father of Liam Payne arrived in Buenos Aires on Friday (18 October) to arrange for the return of his son’s body to the UK.
Geoff Payne has been seen reading tributes and kissing photos of his son outside the Argentina hotel where he died
Argentine authorities said Geoff was headed to the local prosecutor’s office, which is investigating the case as a matter of protocol. Local media reported that he later visited the morgue.
It’s the first time that any of Payne’s family members have been seen publicly since the star’s sudden death, which has led to an outpouring of grief from the world of music and entertainment.
Jacob Stolworthy19 October 2024 10:45
Rita Ora fights back tears as she struggles through Liam Payne tribute live on stage
Rita Ora fights back tears as she struggles through Liam Payne tribute live on stage
Rita Ora fought back tears as she performed a tribute to Liam Payne hours after the One Direction star’s death. The musician, 33, sang “For You” — the track she collaborated with Payne on in 2018 — in front of a black and white image of the pair during her show in Osaka, Japan. Ora struggled through the song, asking the audience to sing for her as she sat on a riser with her head in her hands. She later walked off stage with her arms crossed. Payne passed away aged 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday, 16 October, police said.
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 10:41
Niall Horan recalls last conversation with Liam Payne: ‘I didn’t know I was saying goodbye forever’
“I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam,” Horan, 31, wrote. “It just doesn’t feel real.
“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and made everyone feel happy and secure.”
Read the full tribute here:
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 10:21
Liam Payne’s ex speaks out after his death in Buenos Aires hotel
Mawla shared a photo that appeared to show Payne at a concert, writing over the image: “I’m sorry this happened to you… will forever love and miss you.”
In another Instagram Story post, the “Strip That Down” singer’s hand appeared to be interlocked in Mawla’s, showing off his “L” and “P” tattoos on each of his hands, as her thumb was placed in between.
Roisin O’Connor19 October 2024 10:01
