Kaylah Walton
Liam Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, arrived in Buenos Aires on Friday to facilitate the process of bringing his son’s remains back to England after the tragic incident in which the former One Direction member fell from a hotel balcony.
Geoff landed at Buenos Aires International Airport early in the morning and was seen leaving a downtown hotel in a blue suit, accompanied by British consular officials. He was quickly escorted by security into a van with tinted windows.
He visited the local morgue to confirm his son’s identity and proceeded to the prosecutor’s office involved in the case before going to the Casa Sur Hotel, where his son died, to retrieve Liam’s personal effects. Many fans gathered there over the past few days to offer their respects.
Fans formed a human chain to manage the crowd as Geoff maneuvered through the memorial outside the hotel, filled with flowers, photos, and heartfelt notes. He paused to collect one of Liam’s pictures before expressing his gratitude to the supporters, then entered the hotel.
“I felt sick to my stomach because I couldn’t say goodbye to him,” Mara Dorf, a fan present, shared her feelings.
This marked the first public appearance of Payne’s family following the shock of the singer’s death, which prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians worldwide. His family expressed their heartbreak in a statement, highlighting their sorrow over losing him.
“Liam will always be remembered for his kindness, humor, and courage,” they stated. “We are supporting each other during this tragic time and kindly ask for our privacy.”
In previous interviews, Payne had spoken fondly of his parents, acknowledging their support and hard work. They even appeared in the documentary “One Direction: This Is Us,” showcasing their pride in his achievements.
“Seeing him on stage fills me with pride, but the loss is heavily felt,” his mother, Karen, remarked in the film.
The circumstances of Liam’s final hours at the Casa Sur Hotel are still unclear, with reports suggesting he may have overdosed on drugs and alcohol. Investigators noted the chaotic state of his hotel room filled with substances following his fall.
It remains uncertain whether Liam intended to jump or accidentally fell. An autopsy confirmed that his death resulted from injuries sustained during the fall, including severe trauma. Toxicology results are still pending.
Authorities noted no indicators of foul play, as there were no defensive wounds on his body, suggesting he may have been unconscious or semi-conscious during the incident.
Media coverage has been controversial, with TMZ facing backlash for publishing an edited image of what was said to be Liam’s body. After considerable criticism, the outlet removed the image.
In response, Cheryl, Payne’s ex-girlfriend and mother of his son Bear, shared a poignant message on Instagram condemning the media’s actions. “It troubles me that one day Bear will see the disturbing reports that have surfaced in the past days,” she stated, urging for Liam’s dignity to be respected in death.
