Former One Direction star Liam Payne dies aged 31: report

The official autopsy report into the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne has been released.

Experts from the Forensic Medical Corps at the Judicial Morgue on Viamonte Street have revealed that the artist suffered multiple traumas that led to internal and external haemorrhage, according to what to Argentine daily newspaper The Nationwas able to find out.

The expert report was prepared by forensic experts Santiago Maffia Bizzozero and Víctor Roberto Cohen. However, the full autopsy report remains to be seen, including whether there was the presence of any substance that could have influenced the body’s general health.

A report from Prosecutorssaid none of the injuries sustained by Liam indicated the presence of a “third party”. It also wrote that “it is presumed that Payne did not adopt a reflex posture to protect himself [from the fall] and that he could have fallen into a state of semi or total unconsciousness”.

The report also confirms the time of death as happening at 17:07 local time.

A forensic autopsy is typically ordered by the courts to be carried out in cases of violent death or suspicious criminal activity, as is the case with Liam’s death. In these situations, family authorisation is not required because the incident is under investigation.

Liam, who tragically passed away at the age of 31 in Buenos Aires, had been staying in the city to support his former bandmate, Niall Horan.

The circumstances surrounding his sudden and heartbreaking death has left fans and fellow musicians around the world mourning his loss.

The British musician was found dead on Wednesday after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to local media reports. Authorities responded to an emergency call at the Casa Sur Hotel, located in the leafy Palermo neighbourhood of the Argentine capital.

Leading local newspapers La Nacion and Clarin claim police arrived at the scene, but sadly, by the time emergency responders attended to Liam, it was too late. Ambulance workers confirmed the singer’s death after finding him in an interior patio of the hotel.

Buenos Aires police said Liam fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital, resulting in “extremely serious injuries” before medics confirmed his death, in a statement to the Associated Press.

“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,” Alberto Crescenti said.

“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,” he added.

The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the music world, with fans and fellow artists struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of the talented performer. Liam’s family said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

Liam first auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 at the age of 14 singing Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon, with judge Simon Cowell telling him to return to the ITV reality show at an older age.

He was put with four other solo hopefuls at the boot camp stage of the competition – the group which later became One Direction.

The singer shot to stardom as one of the members of the globally successful boy band alongside bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson after their unforgettable journey on The X Factor UK in 2010. 

Although they finished third in the competition, the group quickly became a pop phenomenon, delivering hit after hit and stealing the hearts of millions worldwide.

Known for their chart-topping singles such as What Makes You Beautiful and Story of My Life, One Direction became a global sensation, selling out stadiums and arenas around the world. 

Their journey captivated a generation, and the band became one of the most successful music acts of the 2010s. However, after six years of monumental success, the group disbanded in 2016 to pursue individual projects.

Liam’s solo career also saw him rise in the music industry, with hits like Strip That Down and collaborations with major artists, earning him a dedicated fan base beyond his One Direction days.

His sudden death has left fans and friends reeling, with tributes pouring in from around the world. Many of his devoted followers took to social media to express their shock and sadness.

One fan wrote, “Liam Payne was an integral part of One Direction and his voice brought so much happiness to so many people. My heart is shattered.” Another commented: “I grew up listening to One Direction, and Liam was always my favourite. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Downing Street offered Sir Keir Starmer’s condolences to Liam’s family and friends. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister’s sincere condolences are with Liam’s family and friends at this time.

“One Direction were one of the biggest bands in history and their music had a huge impact on many millions of fans around the world.”

Harry Styles’ mother Anne Twist posted a broken-hearted emoji on Instagram, captioning it: “Just a boy.”

Dermot O’Leary, who hosted The X Factorduring both of Payne’s appearances, shared a photograph of the pair on stage, captioning the Instagram post: “The worst news”.

“I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing,” he wrote. “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”

Singer Olly Murs, who starred on The X Factor a year before One Direction, said he was “lost for words,” describing Payne’s death as “devastating” on Instagram.

Former X Factor duo Jedward have paid tribute, in a social media post on X, the pair sent “strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One Direction family”. John and Edward Grimes, known as Jedward, started their careers on the same reality TV show that launched One Direction.

Socialite Paris Hilton paid tribute to the former One Direction member in a post on X, calling the singer’s death “so upsetting”. “Sending love and condolences to his family and loved ones,” she wrote, “RIP my friend.”

DJ and music producer Zedd called the news of Liam’s death “absolutely heartbreaking”.

While details surrounding Liam’s passing are still emerging, the Buenos Aires authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances of his death.

Last year, Liam had been hospitalised due to a severe kidney infection, forcing him to cancel several tour dates. At the time, he assured fans that he was focusing on his health and looking forward to returning to the stage. His unexpected passing now marks a heartbreaking end to what had already been a challenging year for the star.

Liam is said to have been in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former bandmate Horan, having been seen dancing at his show two weeks ago at the Movistar Arena alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

After becoming one of the biggest pop groups in the world with five albums and four world tours, they went on indefinite hiatus in 2016. Liam released his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019 which included the singles Polaroid and Familiar. He and Girls Aloud singer Cheryl share a son Bear, born in 2017, having been in a high-profile relationship between 2016 and 2018.

In 2021, Liam talked about how he had “social anxiety” and “stress” from being famous, and discussed the pressure his mental health was under while not having the freedom to go anywhere as a One Direction member.

He told the Diary Of The CEO Podcast: “It feels to me, like when we were in the band. The best way to secure us was to lock us in our rooms, and what is in the room? A mini-bar.

“So I had a party-for-one that seemed to carry on for many years of my life, and then you look back at how long you’ve been drinking? And Jesus Christ that’s a long time, even for someone as young as I am.”

LISTEN: HELLO!’s Daily Lowdown Podcast pays tribute to Liam Payne

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