Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, dies: A look back at his career and life

The music world mourns the loss of Liam Payne, the former One Direction member, who tragically passed away at the age of 31.

Payne was found dead after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"Liam James Payne, composer and guitarist, former member of the band One Direction, died today after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo," a police statement said.

The singer had suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall," the head of the city's SAME emergency medical service, Alberto Crescenti, told local television, adding "there was no possibility of resuscitation."

Born on August 29, 1993, in Wolverhampton, England, Payne's rise to fame began in 2010 when he auditioned for The X Factor.

The group's hits like "What Makes You Beautiful" and "Night Changes" propelled them to global stardom.

Following One Direction's hiatus in 2016, Payne embarked on a successful solo career, releasing tracks with artists like Zedd and J Balvin.

Payne also achieved notable success on the Billboard Hot 100 with hits like "For You" and "Bedroom Floor."

Payne's personal life was often in the spotlight, including his relationship with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole and their son, Bear. He had been open about his struggles, including a recent sobriety journey.

In 2023, Payne revealed he had been sober for six months following a stay in a rehabilitation facility. His commitment to bettering himself for both his son and his own well-being marked a significant turning point in his life, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Although he faced personal and professional setbacks, including tensions with former bandmates and legal issues with Maya Henry, Payne's impact as a One Direction member and solo artist remains undeniable.

Payne's final public appearance was at Niall Horan's concert in Buenos Aires on October 2, where he was spotted enjoying the performance and interacting with fans.

Liam Payne is survived by his son, parents, and two sisters. (In pic: Fans of British singer Liam Payne lit candles next to the hotel where he died.)