Inside Liam Payne’s ‘erratic’ final days in Argentina before his tragic death at 31
LIAM Payne sparked concern among staff and his fans in the hours and days before his untimely death.
The pop star died suddenly after falling from a height at his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wedneday.
He travelled to the country to watch One Direction co-star Niall Horan on tour, after joking with fans that he wanted to “square up a couple of things” with his former bandmate.
While out there he extended his stay, and during the trip Liam shared videos of himself with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy dancing along to Niall’s music at the Movistar Arena.
He also posted a photo with Niall, writing over the top “Reunited.”
After two weeks away, American actress Kate, 25, revealed she was ready to leave and decided to head home on October 14.
She explained on TikTok: “Honestly, love South America but I hate staying in one place for too long. And we were supposed to be there for, like, five days, turned into two weeks.
“I was just like, ‘I need to go home’.”
She added: “I was so happy to be home. It was so relieving.”
Glamorous Kate appeared in the final photo Liam shared on social media minutes before he died.
He appeared topless as they cosied up together for a mirror selfie.
After she left, Liam spent evenings posting on social media and incredibly, paying into sick children’s GoFundMe accounts live on social media.
He also took photos with fans outside his hotel, and one photo – said to be his last – saw him returning to his CasaSur hotel room in the neighbourhood of Palermo.
On the day of Liam’s death, a frantic 911 call made by a worker at hotel Casa Sur revealed he had been “behaving erratically”, and witnesses claimed he had to be carried back to his room after smashing his latop.
In the call, the worker said: “Hello good afternoonm, I’m calling from CasaSur hotel in Palermo.
“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 we need you to send someone, please.”
Argentine media have since published pictures allegedly showing inside Liam’s hotel room shortly after his fatal balcony fall.
The pictures appeared to show white powder and burnt aluminium foil.
TRAGIC HOLIDAY
The dad-of-one told fans about the trip in a video on Snapchat, which fans asked him if he was “OK”.
He had started rambling that him and his friend “needed to talk”, and speculated on a feud within the band.
The Snapchat was shared not long after Liam’s friends told The Sun they feared he was “spiralling out of control”.
A source said: “Liam’s behaviour has been concerning many in his inner circle for months.
“For a while things seemed to be looking up for him but over the past year there are fears he is spiralling.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer's death circulated across the world.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “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 was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
“He’s no longer around some of his old friends as he’s relocated to America to start a new life out there which means many of those who are around him are ‘yes men’.
“Everyone wants the best for him but things are erratic to say the least.”
HORROR PREDICTION
Some of Liam’s inner circle started to worry that he was “spiralling out of control” with his ex-fiancee Maya Henry adding to the claims this week.
Maya, 23, dated Liam for three years before they split in 2022.
In a podcast interview two days ago, she said her ex had reached out to her in worrying phone calls and had created fake accounts to contact her.
Speaking on The Internet is Dead podcast, she said: “There was one time I tried to get him help, but he was not taking it.”
She added: “He would always message me after we broke up, he would say, ‘I’m not well’.
“He would always play with death, and be like ‘well I’m going to die, I’m not doing well’
“I know the lifestyle that he lives and there is a day that something is going to happen.
“So I would always be like, OK, he’s saying these things, I am going to have to help him because I am not going to be able to live with myself if something happens to him”.
LIAM’S FAMILY SPEAK OUT
Liam’s family have released a statement following the shock passing of the superstar.
In a statement, Liam’s family said: “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 during this awful time.”