Former One Direction star Liam Payne has been found dead, according to reports.
The 31-year-old singer died outside a hotel in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, local media said, citing emergency services.
He had reportedly fallen from the third floor of the building.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentinian television that Payne fell into a courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires.
The official declined to answer further questions about the incident, including over how Payne came to fall from the balcony.
Mr Crescenti said authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting a post-mortem examination.
According to TV network Telemundo, police had been called to the hotel to reports of an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Argentinian media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.
Payne had posted on Snapchat in the last few hours, saying it was a “lovely day here in Argentina”.
“Just enjoying coffee and breakfast, even though it’s like 1pm,” he said. “Literally sleep in every day until like 12. We’re such losers.”
Payne posted on Snapchat in the last few hours
The star spoke about “going to ride some horses” and said: “Think I’m going to play polo again which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks.”
“It’s going to be a nice day,” he added.
Payne embarked on a solo career after One Direction announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus in 2015.
Payne (second right) with his One Direction bandmates in 2011. Pic: AP
He was part of the original line-up, formed on X Factor in 2010, alongside Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles.
Payne has a son called Bear from his previous relationship with singer Cheryl, who was a judge on X Factor.
Payne with his son Bear
Liam Payne and Cheryl in 2018. Pic: Reuters
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