Can't believe this: Paris Hilton, Charlie Puth and fans react to Liam Payne's death

British singer Liam Payne, 31, died on October 16 after reportedly falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Shocked fans and celebrities shared their grief on social media.

In Short

• Liam Payne, 31, died after falling from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony
• Fans and celebrities expressed shock and grief on social media
• Police reports suggest possible substance influence before fall

Liam Payne, the 31-year-old British singer known for his association with the boy band One Direction, died on Wednesday, October 16. The singer reportedly fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The news of his death left his fans and people in the music industry aghast.

American singer Charlie Puth, reality TV star Paris Hilton, rapper Flavor Flav, and several others expressed their shock and grief over Liam's death on social media.

Puth wrote on Instagram, "I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone." Hilton condoled Liam's death on X, writing, "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."

Rapper Flav posted on X, "RIP to Liam Payne... much too young." Musician Zedd couldn't "believe this is real" and wrote on X, "absolutely heartbreaking."

US music channel MTV, streaming services Spotify and Apple Music, and the BRITs British music awards also sent their condolences to Liam's family on social media.

Dozens of One Direction fans gathered at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires after the news of Liam's death broke. They were seen crying and hugging each other.

The One Direction alum was found dead in a hotel courtyard in Argentina, according to reports.

Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said in a statement to The Associated Press that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police rushed to the hotel in response to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, warning of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

A recording of the hotel manager's call to 911, obtained by the AP, revealed that they had “a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol... He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” The manager’s voice became more anxious as the call went on, noting the room had a balcony.

Liam Payne gained international fame as part of One Direction, formed on The X Factor in 2010. The group, featuring Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson alongside Liam, became a global sensation before disbanding in 2016 as the members pursued solo careers.

(With inputs from AP)