Buenos Aires. Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, who rose to global fame as part of the chart-topping British boy band, was found dead Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said.

Buenos Aires police reported that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel, located in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina's capital, resulting in "extremely serious injuries." Medics confirmed his death at the scene, according to the police statement.

Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said Payne "had jumped from the balcony of his room." Police were dispatched to the hotel following an emergency call shortly after 5 p.m. local time, with a report of an "aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol."

In a 911 call obtained by the AP, the hotel manager is heard saying they had "a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol ... He's destroying the entire room, and, well, we need you to send someone, please." The manager's voice grew more anxious as the call continued, noting the presence of a balcony in the room.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina's Todo Noticias TV channel that authorities were investigating the circumstances of Payne's death and conducting an autopsy.

Payne had been open about his struggles with alcoholism. In July 2023, he posted a video to his YouTube channel saying he had been sober for six months after undergoing treatment. Representatives for Payne did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

After news of Payne's death broke, dozens of One Direction fans flocked to the Casa Sur Hotel. They gathered in lines that spilled into the cordoned-off street outside, where police stood guard. Forensic investigators were seen leaving the hotel, and Payne’s body was removed approximately three hours after the fall. Young women, visibly shocked, filmed with their cellphones as a makeshift memorial of candles and flowers grew outside the hotel.

"I didn't think he was going to die so young," 21-year-old Isabella Milesi told the AP.

Payne was one of five members of One Direction, which was formed after each auditioned as solo acts on the British singing competition series "The X Factor" in 2010. At 16, Payne impressed judges with his rendition of Michael Bublé's "Cry Me a River," after failing to make it through in a prior season at age 14.

Although none of the members advanced individually, Simon Cowell and the other judges combined Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson into a group that would become one of the most successful boy bands ever, despite not winning the competition.

Each band member had a distinct persona, with Payne, who hailed from Wolverhampton, England, earning the reputation as the responsible one. One Direction became known for their pop hits like "What Makes You Beautiful," "Night Changes," and "Story of My Life." Payne had prominent solos on songs like "Stole My Heart" and "Change Your Ticket" and co-wrote several of the band's songs. By the time the group disbanded in 2016, they had scored six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts and had cultivated a highly dedicated fan base, known as "Directioners."

"I've always loved One Direction since I was little," said 18-year-old fan Juana Relh, who was outside the hotel. "To see that he died and that there will never be another reunion of the boys is unbelievable — it kills me."

In a 2013 interview with the AP, Payne had reflected on the intense public scrutiny the band faced, recalling a moment when a fan was in a state of shock upon meeting him. "I don't think you can ever get used to that ... it's all a bit crazy."

After One Direction disbanded, Payne — like his former bandmates — pursued a solo career, leaning into EDM and hip-hop. His 2017 single "Strip That Down," featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 and remained on the charts for several months. He released his album "LP1" in 2019, with his final single, "Teardrops," debuting in March.

Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, whom he shared with his ex-girlfriend, musician Cheryl, formerly known as Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud. Cheryl was a judge on "The X Factor" during One Direction's season, though the couple began their relationship years later. Payne was also previously engaged to Maya Henry, from August 2020 until early 2022. Henry recently released a novel that she said was inspired by their relationship.

In addition to his son, Payne is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.

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