Kaylah Walton
The recent passing of Liam Payne, the former One Direction member, has left many in shock. The 31-year-old tragically fell from a balcony in Argentina, and accounts from witnesses shed light on his behavior in his final hours.
The circumstances surrounding Payne’s death have deeply affected his former bandmates as they seek to understand what led to the incident. Toxicology reports indicated the presence of serious substances in his system, suggesting a potential relapse into addiction.
Initial reports suggest that intoxication may have contributed to Liam’s fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires. However, an eyewitness, Diana Gauna, noted that he appeared sober and enthusiastic about his potential move to the city just hours prior to the tragedy.
“Liam seemed to be in great spirits, not at all drunk or confrontational as some have suggested online,” Gauna stated to TN Central. “He spent time engaging with us, sharing his experiences in Buenos Aires, and expressing his desire to settle down here.”
She recounted how he expressed love for the city and the surrounding countryside, mentioning a recent early morning run with his girlfriend.
Gauna’s Reaction to the Tragedy
This conversation took place around 3 PM on October 16, just two hours before news of his death broke globally. The revelation hit hard for Gauna as she witnessed emergency services arriving at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
“I was so confused when I saw the emergency vehicles. I had just met him a little over an hour before, and he seemed perfectly fine,” Gauna expressed. “Hearing that he passed away was incredibly shocking.”
Recalling the impact of his words on mental health, she continued, “Liam always encouraged us through his music that we are never alone. As a fan, this is incredibly painful for all of us.”
