One Direction's Liam Payne smashed laptop and was carried to room in 'erratic' final hours

The One Direction star has died at the age of 31 after falling from a balcony in Argentina

The world was left in shock last night, Wednesday, October 16, after news broke about the tragic and untimely passing of One Direction star Liam Payne. The young singer died at age 31 following a fall from the third floor of Casa Sur Palmero, an upscale hotel in Argentina.

It's been reported that Payne had exhibited erratic behaviour and was escorted back to his room prior to the fatal incident. Further reports indicate that he had been acting 'erratically' shortly before his death, with hotel staff describing him as "an aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol".

Local media claim that Liam had been behaving strangely in the hotel lobby and smashed his laptop before he 'had to be carried back to his room', reports the Mirror. Tragically, not long after, staff reported a loud noise in the courtyard and discovered Liam's body around 5pm.

Audio recordings related to the incident, released by the Buenos Aires security ministry and obtained by The Mail Online, feature a hotel worker requesting assistance with an intoxicated guest. They said: "When he is conscious he is destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone".

Emergency medical services director Alberto Crescenti conveyed details to Clarin post-incident, including verification of Liam's identity via passport and noting that "the team saw that he apparently had a fracture at the base of the skull."

Police in Buenos Aires confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "Liam James Payne, composer and guitarist, former member of the band One Direction, died today after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo."

Earlier, Liam had taken to social media to share his excitement about visiting Argentina. He said: "We're going to Argentina. One, because we have to, and two, because we want to, and three, because Niall Horan's playing down there and I think we might just go and say 'Hello'.

"It's been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We've got a lot to talk about and I would like to square up a couple things with the boy. No bad vibes or nothing like that, but just, we need to talk."

Liam had been in the country with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and just hours before the tragedy, he had shared snaps with his fans on Snapchat. In the clips, Liam was seen enjoying his food and discussing his plans to play polo.

He also filmed Kate as they had breakfast together, saying: "This is the breakfast table, just enjoying breakfast and coffee even though it's 1pm." As they relaxed at their friend's home, Kate jokingly called them "losers" for sleeping in.

News of his passing brought the world together in mourning, with heartfelt tributes pouring in. Among those paying homage was X Factor's Dermot O'Leary, who posted a touching black and white photograph alongside Liam, reminiscing: "The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing."

Dermot continued with accolades for Liam's character, noting: "He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx" In 2010, Liam took to the X Factor stage, later joining forces with Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik to form One Direction.