Authorities Reveal Tragic Details of Liam Payne’s Death

Buenos Aires authorities confirmed to The Associated Press tragic details of former One Direction member Liam Payne’s death at age 31 on Oct. 16.

On Thursday, Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, confirmed that Payne “jumped from his balcony” at Argentina’s CasaSur Palermo Hotel. Police were summoned to the hotel at around 5 p.m. local time. Payne, who had fallen multiple stories from his room’s balcony, was apparently still alive when authorities arrived, but pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Alberto Crescenti, the head of the country’s emergency medical system, told local outlet TN that Payne suffered "a fracture at the base of the skull.” Per the BBC and Sky News , the hotel’s receptionist phoned police after becoming concerned with Payne’s behavior. They asked for someone to be sent “urgently,” as staff were “afraid [Payne] could do something that threatens his life.”

"Our role was to head there quickly, give medical attention, and try to resuscitate him, but his injuries were incompatible with life,” he told La Nación . "Based on what the team saw, there was apparently a cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death."

A preliminary autopsy report released Oct. 17 outlined Payne's injuries that caused his death. He suffered internal and external bleeding and had 25 injuries in total from his skull to his torso and limbs. A toxicology report is still forthcoming.

Payne’s death has sparked reactions from fans and friends across the globe. On Thursday morning, Payne’s family released a statement to BBC . "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul," they said. "We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time." Harry Styles’ mother also posted a three-word tribute to Payne on Instagram. “Just a boy,” she captured a picture of a broken heart emoji.

Payne is survived by his ex-partner, musician Cheryl, with whom he shares seven-year-old son Bear Grey.