Former One Direction star Liam Payne has died at the age of 31.
It has been reported that the singer was holidaying in Buenos Aires with girlfriend Kate Cassidy when he fell from the third floor of a hotel.
Payne was known for being a member of boy band One Direction, who found fame in 2011 after their X Factor appearance.
He was joined in his success by fellow bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan, who all swiftly became household names.
It has been reported that the musician fell from the third floor of a hotel room in the Argentinian capital earlier today.
It has also been alleged that police were called to reports of a man acting aggressively at the hotel before the tragedy.
In a statement, the local ambulance manager Alberto Crescenti said: “At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel.
Payne found fame in 2011 after his appearance on The X Factor and the formation of One Direction
Getty
“At 17.11 a SAME team arrived and verified the death of this man and later we found out that he was a singer in a musical group.
“Unfortunately, he had injuries that were incompatible with life, as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death, there was no possibility of resuscitation.”
Crescenti also claimed that the singer had fallen around 40 metres and suffered “severe injuries which were incompatible with life”.
The news was initially broken by TMZ, who state several witnesses told the publication that the 31-year-old fell from the third-flood of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
Recently, the singer had been sharing his travels abroad on social media and attended Horan’s concert in the South American country.
Just weeks ago, Payne shared a snap of him and his former bandmates as he paid tribute to TV producer Morgan Spurlock, who recently died.
He captioned the post: “Rest in peace Morgan Spurlock it was a pleasure working with you.”
The post has now been flooded with comments from distraught fans, with some pleading: “Tell me it’s not true”.
Payne was thrust into the limelight on the Simon Cowell-led reality show, with the 65-year-old record executive helping to form One Direction ahead of the group becoming one of the biggest boybands in UK history.
While the group went their separate ways in 2015, each member has enjoyed a solo career.
Payne shares a son, Bear, born in 2017, with former X Factor judge Cherly Cole.
Tributes have flooded in on social media, with fans and fellow famous faces expressing their shock at the tragic news.
Liam Payne found fame in One Direction in 2010
Getty
Taking to X, Steven Bartlett shared: “I cannot believe what I’m reading about Liam Payne absolutely heartbreaking.”
MTV’s official account posted: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans.”
Fellow X Factor stars Jedward commented: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. and all the One direction Family RIP @LiamPayne.”
“What a shocking news! May his soul rest in peace,” another remarked on social media.
“This is so sad thoughts with all his family,” another remarked. (sic)
