Liam Payne was trying to 'prove' to Cheryl he had 'life back on track' when he died

The X Factor star, who shares son Bear with ex Cheryl, has tragically died after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

Liam Payne was attempting to "prove" to Cheryl he was getting his life back on track when he died aged 31, according to reports. The ITV The X Factor star, who shares son Bear with ex Cheryl, has tragically died after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

Liam was "keen for a fresh start" with ex Cheryl and wanted to "prove" he was getting his life together for son Bear. He often showed his tender moments with son Bear, now seven, on Instagram. Liam was 23 when Cheryl gave birth in 2017.

A source previously told how Little Things hitmaker Liam was building things back up for his son and said to OK! Magazine : "We don't see a lot of Bear on Liam's social media but I think he wants to prove to Cheryl that he's getting his life together."

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During a podcast interview in June 2022, Liam described Bear as "a lovely, lovely boy" and praised his ex-partner Cheryl, 41. He said: "She is the best mum in the world, I couldn't ask for someone better."

Last year, he revealed he spent 100 days in a wellness clinic and at the time, he praised his mum and son and said: "Honestly, more than anything I want to say thank you to Bear and his mum for giving me a little bit of freedom to go and get well.

"There is no point trying to be a dad when you have nothing to teach. I feel like I have a grip on life now. After I got back out, that process had worked for me, but there were still some little bits left that I kind of had to deal with myself.”

Payne’s family and stars from across the music world have led tributes to the former One Direction star after his death at a hotel in Argentina. “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” his family said in a statement issued on Thursday.