Last photo of Liam Payne at hotel before his tragic death after falling from balcony

A photo has surfaced of Liam Payne returning to his hotel room in Buenos Aires, marking the final known image of the singer before he tragically fell from a balcony, leading to his death. The 31-year-old former One Direction star reportedly fell 45 feet from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in Argentina's capital city. Despite emergency responders' quick arrival, Payne's injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Payne had been in South America with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, since September 30, initially planning to stay for only five days but extending his trip to two weeks. During their time there, he reconnected with his former bandmate, Niall Horan, after attending Horan's concert at the Movistar Arena on October 2. Cassidy, 25, returned home to Florida on October 12, leaving Payne alone at the Casa Sur hotel.

Ongoing Personal Struggles Before the Incident

Two days before his tragic death, Payne was dealing with legal proceedings initiated by his ex-fiance, Maya Henry, who accused him of obsessive behavior and using his fans against her. Payne had also posted several social media videos in the days leading up to the incident, including one where he lightheartedly referred to his girlfriend as a "loser" for returning home.

On the day of the fall, local authorities were alerted to reports of an "aggressive man" at the hotel, possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just hours before the fall, a newly broadcast image from America TV shows Payne wearing a white sleeveless top with his tattoos on display, seemingly returning to his room before the fatal incident. The tragic moment occurred when Payne fell from a third-floor balcony, landing in the hotel's courtyard near an outdoor dining area.

Emergency services head, Alberto Crescenti, confirmed that Payne suffered a "cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries" that led to his immediate death. He added that paramedics were unable to revive the singer, as his injuries were "incompatible with life."

Further details have since emerged, with reports suggesting Payne had been acting erratically in the hours before his death. A hotel employee named Esteban made two frantic 999 calls, first stating that Payne was "off his head on drugs" and causing damage to his hotel room. Moments later, a second call was made when staff heard a loud noise, fearing Payne had done something dangerous. His body was discovered shortly after.

Forensic experts were still investigating the scene late into the night, focusing on the hotel room and balcony from which Payne fell. While the exact circumstances of his fall remain unclear, authorities have confirmed they are continuing their inquiries into the tragic event.

Payne's unexpected death has left fans and the music industry in shock, with many remembering his rise to fame at age 16 as part of One Direction.