Liam Payne’s father has paid tribute to his late son at the hotel where he tragically died earlier this week.
The former One Direction hitmaker was just 31 when he fell from a balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday (October 16). Now, dad Geoff Payne has visited the place where Liam was staying prior to his death.
He was photographed looking at the floral tributes and notes left in honour of Liam, surrounded by mourners.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
On the day of Liam’s death, police are understood to have been called to reports of a “man acting aggressively at the hotel who could be under the effect of drink or drugs,” with staff requesting “urgent” help in a call to emergency services. Officers said the star’s hotel room had been “in complete disarray” when they arrived, with “various items broken”.
It is thought Liam fell from around 13 or 14 metres, sustaining “very serious injuries incompatible with life” in the process.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Annabel’s)
Geoff, along with Liam’s mum, Karen Payne, left “in a hurry” at around midnight after hearing of their son’s death. The family, from Wolverhampton, issued a statement in the wake of the news, saying: “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.”
Taking to Instagram, Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy – who was in Buenos Aires with him when he died – also requested privacy in the wake of his death. She wrote: “Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.”
(Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)
Liam’s former bandmates – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, who were brought together on The X Factor in 2010 – issued a joint statement on Thursday night (October 17). “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” it read.
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
(Image: Getty Images for Chopard)
Meanwhile Liam’s ex-girlfriend Cheryl, with whom he shares seven-year-old son Bear, expressed concern for the former couple’s child following Liam’s death. The Girls Aloud star, who met Liam as an X Factor judge while he was a contestant, said: “As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
