Robbie Keane 'so sad' to hear of Liam Payne's death as he pays tribute to 'such a loveable person'
The Republic of Ireland footballing legend spent time with the former One Direction star at Soccer Aid
by Robert Hynes · Irish MirrorRobbie Keane said he was "so sad" to hear of Liam Payne's death as he paid tribute to the former One Direction star.
The Republic of Ireland footballing legend, who spent time with Payne at Soccer Aid on a number of occasions, described the singer as "such a loveable person".
Keane wrote on his Instagram story: "So sad to hear this terrible news. Liam was such a loveable person when I spent time with him @SoccerAid and with close friends in Dubai. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. RIP Liam."
READ MORE:'As Liam Payne gave up his teenage years, him and One Direction gave me some of my best memories'
Keane has been involved as a player and coach for Soccer Aid numerous times since retiring as a professional in 2018, with Payne playing in the annual charity match for the England team in 2022 and 2023.
In a statement, Soccer Aid said: "Everyone at Soccer Aid for UNICEF is devastated to learn of the sad passing of Liam Payne. Liam captained England in 2022 and returned for the 2023 match to play a second time.
"Thank you for everything you did to help support children around the world, Liam. The thoughts of everyone at Soccer Aid for UNICEF are with Liam’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
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Payne died after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Argentina on Wednesday. Local police said the 31-year-old fell into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, before medics confirmed his death.
His family said they are “heartbroken” adding: “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
A statement from his family, issued via a spokeswoman to the PA news agency said: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
The Forensic Medical Corps performed an autopsy at the Judicial Morgue on Viamonte Street, and Infobae received preliminary results. The first results were consistent with a ten-metre fall from his room's balcony on the third story of the Casa Sur hotel on Godoy Cruz Street.
According to the report, a toxicological and anatomical-pathological examination of his blood and urine was being conducted to identify the presence of any drug residues. Furthermore, the musician's medical history may be sought to investigate his mental health history.
Prosecutor No. 16, Andrés Madrea, is leading the probe, while Deputy Secretary María Florencia Lavaggi is taking testimony. The full autopsy results will be released in due course.
The Mobile Criminalistics Unit of the City Police of Buenos Aires collected forensic evidence in the room of the Casa Sur Hotel. Police discovered a bottle of whisky, a lighter and a phone believed to be Liam's, which will be inspected for messages. Fingerprints were detected on every object.
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