Liam Payne, 31, former member of the globally renowned band One Direction, tragically fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Friday. The incident occurred at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, where Payne had been staying after extending his trip in Argentina to meet bandmate Niall Horan.

According to Buenos Aires Security Ministry communications director Pablo Policicchio, Payne fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room. Preliminary reports suggest that the fall was intentional, but investigations are still ongoing.

Before the incident, Payne had reportedly pleaded with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, to extend her stay with him in Argentina. Cassidy, who had returned to Florida just days before the tragedy, cited her desire to return home to her dog. Sources close to the couple confirmed that this disagreement had deeply affected Payne. A friend of Cassidy revealed that the couple had argued before she left, with Payne upset over her decision to leave early.

In the hours leading up to his death, Payne had been in the company of two women he met through an escort website. The women, both 25 years old, told investigators they were drinking with Payne in his hotel room. An argument over payment ensued, and the women left the room about an hour before the tragic incident. Witnesses reported seeing Payne in a heated argument with one of the women in the hotel lobby shortly before his fall. According to onlookers, Payne offered the woman $20,000, stating, “I have $55 million and I like to help people.”

The circumstances surrounding Payne’s final hours have raised questions about his state of mind and the factors leading up to the tragedy. Payne’s sudden death has left fans and the music world in shock as investigations continue.