Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer, has died at the age of 31 in what authorities suspect is a drug-related incident. Payne reportedly fell to his death from the third-story balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel on Wednesday night. According to Buenos Aires police, Payne was under the influence of a potent hallucinogenic drug known as “Cristal” at the time of his death. The substance is known for causing extreme mood swings, hallucinations, and aggressive behavior.

Investigators are still piecing together the details surrounding the tragic event. Reports suggest that Payne’s behavior became increasingly erratic in the hours leading up to his death. Witnesses described scenes of agitation and conflict, with accounts of the singer smashing a laptop and engaging in a heated argument with an unidentified woman in the hotel lobby. “He seemed very upset, agitated, and a little wild, walking around and pacing,” said Michael Fleischmann, a hotel guest who observed Payne’s behavior.

Payne had been battling substance abuse issues for several years, with an industry insider revealing that his struggles with addiction had significantly impacted his life. “Liam was battling a very significant drug addiction, and his treatment was not working,” the source told Page Six. The singer had reportedly been forced to leave another hotel, the Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, earlier in the week due to disruptive behavior.

Disturbing images of Payne’s hotel room released after his death showed extensive damage, including burn marks, a smashed television, white powder, and pieces of tin foil scattered throughout the space. In an emergency call to authorities on the night of Payne’s death, the hotel manager expressed concerns about the singer’s safety, stating, “We have a guest who is high and drunk; he is destroying his room, and we need you to send someone urgently because I don’t know if his life is in danger.”

Payne’s tragic passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from his colleagues and former bandmates. Zayn Malik, one of Payne’s bandmates in One Direction, expressed gratitude for Payne’s support during difficult times, while Niall Horan remembered him as “the brightest in every room” who “always made everyone feel happy and secure.” Louis Tomlinson described Payne as a “vital part of One Direction.”

Liam Payne rose to fame as part of One Direction, the globally successful boy band formed on the UK’s X Factor in 2010. Despite the band’s success, Payne struggled with addiction, which began during the height of their fame. His death serves as a reminder of the dark side of celebrity life and the toll it can take on mental health and well-being.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death, as family, friends, and fans mourn the loss of a talented musician whose life ended far too soon.

Credit: Page Six