Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, found dead after falling from hotel balcony in Buenos Aires

Former One Direction member Liam Payne has been found dead outside a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, police have confirmed. 

The 31-year-old British musician was found dead on Wednesday evening, local time, after falling from the hotel's third floor. 

In a statement, the capital police said they received calls for help with an "aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol" from CasaSur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood.

The hotel manager said he heard a loud noise at the back of the hotel, and when police arrived they found that a man had fallen over the balcony in his room, the statement said.

"When he is conscious he is destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone," a hotel worker told police, according to audio related to the case Reuters obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry.

The worker added the guest's life was at risk because their room had a balcony.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the Buenos Aires public emergency medical services, said Payne fell about 14 metres into a courtyard of the hotel. Mr Crescenti said there was "no possibility of resuscitation" by the time authorities arrived at the scene.

He declined to answer further questions, including whether Payne jumped from the balcony or fell by accident.

A large crowd gathered outside the hotel mourning the late singer and placing candles in a makeshift vigil, as authorities removed his body and conducted forensic examinations.

Earlier on Wednesday, Payne had appeared to post on Snapchat about his trip in Argentina, talking about riding horses, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.

"It's a lovely day here in Argentina," he said in the video.

Payne 'fundamental' to boy band's appeal

Payne rose to global fame as part of the since-disbanded pop band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.

The boy band got its start after finishing third on the British version of the X Factor music competition show in 2010, but the group broke up in 2016 as its members pursued different projects including solo careers.

Billboard executive director of music Jason Lipshutzsaid said One Direction was part of a key era in pop music.

"[Liam] was kind of a utility player in some way within One Direction," he said. 

Payne had on October 2 attended the concert of his former band mate Niall Horan at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires.

A video posted to social media showed him singing along and dancing to Horan's performance, alongside fans and his partner Kate Cassidy. 

After One Direction, Payne went on to a solo career, releasing his debut album in 2019 titled LP1.

In March, he released his LP Teardrops.

Payne had a son, born in 2017, who he parented with former Girls Aloud singing group member Cheryl Cole.

Celebrities pay tribute

American actress and media personality Paris Hilton paid tribute to Payne in a post to X.

"So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing," she wrote. "Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."

Singer Charlie Puth said he was "in shock" after the news of Payne's death.

"Liam was always so kind to me," he said in an Instagram story. 

"He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone."

German DJ Zedd said he could not "believe this is real".

ABC/wires