Liam Payne was 'proud dad' before tragic death as fans support Cheryl and son Bear

Liam Payne was a 'proud father' before his tragic death as fans support ex-partner Cheryl and their son Bear. Tributes have been pouring in for the One Direction star following his passing, aged 31.

It was reported late Wednesday evening (October 16) that Payne had died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. He had attended his former bandmate Niall Horan’s Argentinian concert alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy earlier this month.

Local police said the singer fell from the third floor into the courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital before medics confirmed his death, in a statement to the Associated Press (AP).

READ MORE: Police investigating Liam Payne's death release more details after One Direction star dies in Argentina hotel

Police responded to an emergency call from the hotel manager who had become concerned for his welfare, AP said. The Foreign Office (FCDO) also confirmed it is in contact with authorities in Argentina “regarding reports of the death of a British man” but a spokesperson declined to comment any further, including on the identity of the man involved.

Police confirmed Payne had fallen from a third floor balcony. In a statement given to the AFP agency, officers said: "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." It is understood that the singer's body has since been transport to a local morgue.

Payne formed boy band One Direction in 2010, alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, after they individually auditioned for The X Factor. After becoming one of the biggest pop groups in the world with five albums and four world tours, One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.

Away from his career, Payne welcomed a son, Bear, with singer and former X Factor judge Cheryl in 2017 when he was 23. The couple split the following year after two years together but continued to co-parent.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (October 17), close pal Ant Middleton opened up on his "shock" following the popstar's tragic death. The ex SAS: Who Dares Wins star, 44, formed a close bond with the dad of one, 31, during show Straight Talking, released in 2019.

Ant described how Liam loved painting and was "incredible" at painting and drawing and wanted to get into that but was "jumping" from things. "There was talk always of getting the boy band back together and when there was talk of that he lit up, his face lit up - that really was his belonging and I believe his safe haven."

He also described Liam as a "proud dad" to son Bear with Cheryl, saying: "When he spoke about Bear his face lit up and I was privy to photos he showed me."

Fans, meanwhile, have been taking to social media to send their support to Cheryl and Bear. @CheryINews2 said: "We are heartbroken to hear the news of Liam’s passing. Our thoughts are with Cheryl, their son Bear, his loved ones and fans." @RememberingSaz commented: "My heart is breaking for you @CherylOfficial and of course, Bear, please know how loved you are and how much strength we are all sending you in the hardest of times."

@_chloe__xx wrote: "I just can’t stop thinking about Cheryl having to sit Bear down, that poor little boy honestly." @CherylUpdate added: "Sending all my love and thoughts to @CherylOfficial and Bear at this time. Absolutely devastating for Bear to lose his father at such a young age. Rest in peace Liam."