Liam Payne's security guard 'dad' helps star's devastated father in 'gut wrenching' update

Paul Higgins, former One Direction tour manager and close friend of the Payne family, has traveled to Argentina with Liam’s father, Geoff Payne, to help organize the return of his son’s body .

Higgins - who has been referred to has Liam's "road dad" - and Payne were seen outside the Casa Sur Hotel, where the 31-year-old tragically fell to his death from a third-floor balcony on Wednesday.

The property was covered in tributes left by Liam’s distraught fans.

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Higgins was previously a security advisor for One Direction after quitting as the band’s tour manager in 2014.

According to sources, Higgins is said to be devastated by Liam’s death, whom he considered a close friend and had spent considerable time with in the last year.

In a post to X, the security specialist uploaded a photograph of him and Liam visiting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the caption: “Hanging out with the Boss @LiamPayne in Riyadh! What an experience we’ve just had!”

A spokesperson for Higgins spoke told Sunday Life: “At this time Paul has no further comment. Like the family, Paul is, himself, grieving and coming to terms with everything that has happened this week.”

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Social media users expressed their thoughts on seeing the band’s one-time tour manager with Geoff Payne.

On X, one person wrote: “Paul Higgins being with Geoff is, once again, breaking something in me,” adding: “He was more than their head of security and tour manager; he was their road dad. And seeing him secure Geoff to his son when it used to be the other way around... absolutely gut wrenching.”

While another said: “Paul was and is still loved by directioners; seeing his reactions and gaze reminds me that he is also grieving and doing his job at the same time, protecting Liam’s family now... Paul Higgins, we love you. #RIPLiamPayne.”

An investigation by authorities in Buenos Aires into the death of Liam Payne remains ongoing.