Liam Payne’s Father Joins Fans in Mourning at Vigil in Argentina

Geoff Payne, the father of former One Direction star Liam Payne, has travelled to Buenos Aires to mourn the loss of his son, who died after falling from a third-floor balcony on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old British singer’s father was seen leaving the Casa Sur Hotel in a navy suit, surrounded by grieving fans who had gathered to pay their respects.

Geoff Payne was showered with love by the crowd of 1D fans outside the hotel in Argentina (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Reports from the Associated Press indicate that Mr. Payne’s trip to Argentina is primarily to arrange for his son’s repatriation. In a heartfelt video shared by the BBC, he was observed visiting the makeshift memorial outside the hotel, reading letters and stopping to reflect on flowers, photographs, and candles left by fans.

One Direction issued a joint statement in the aftermath of the tragedy (Picture: Instagram)

He was accompanied by two former security guards from One Direction, including Paul Higgins, who had worked closely with the band during their peak years.

He landed in South America to organise repatriation of his son’s body (Picture: Reuters)

Tearful footage captured Mr Payne interacting with a crowd of One Direction fans, expressing his gratitude for their support during this difficult time. At one moment, he placed an “I love One Direction” wristband over a photo of his son as fans laid bouquets and memorabilia around him.

Mr Payne looked solemnly at tributes left (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Liam Payne, known for his hit “Strip That Down,” is survived by his father and two daughters, Ruth and Nicola, from his mother, Karen. Following his death, the family released a statement expressing their heartbreak: “Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.”

The tearful dad-of-three thanked fans for their support (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Cheryl, the mother of Liam’s seven-year-old son Bear, has expressed concerns about protecting their child after this tragedy. In an emotional Instagram post, she reflected on the profound loss, stating, “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my grief, I’d like to remind everyone that we have lost a human being kindly.” She emphasised that Liam was not just a celebrity but a father who would no longer be present for his son.

The entrance to the hotel where Payne died was covered in messages and flowers (Picture: Reuters)

Liam’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, shared her devastation on social media, describing the past few days as surreal. “Liam, my angel, you are everything. I want you to know I love you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life,” she wrote.

Mr Payne was escorted by former 1D security guards (Picture: AP)

Music mogul Simon Cowell also expressed his sorrow, describing himself as “devastated” and “heartbroken.” He reflected on the memories shared with Liam, stating, “Every tear I have shed is a memory of you,” and praised Liam for all he had achieved.

He blew kisses (Picture: AP)

Liam Payne rose to fame in 2010 when he was brought together with Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Harry Styles by Cowell on ‘The X Factor’. Cowell recounted how he had encouraged Liam to return to the competition after his first audition at age 14. “A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t,” Cowell recalled.

Mr Payne faces something no father should experience (Picture: AP)

Horan shared his touching tribute, expressing his gratitude for their shared moments. “I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking,” he wrote.

Payne pictured with his father and mother, Karen, in 2019 (Picture: Express & Star/SWNS)

The popstar died aged 31 after falling from his balcony on the third floor (Picture: Reuters)

Payne found fame with Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik on The X Factor in 2010 (Picture: JAB Promotions/WireImage)

The group announced a hiatus in 2015 (Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

Payne was dating Kate Cassidy at the time of his death (Picture: Instagram)

He leaves behind his seven-year-old son Bear, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Cheryl (Picture: Instagram)

The other One Direction members also released emotional tributes, describing their collective devastation and the memories they will cherish forever. A post-mortem examination revealed that Liam died from multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage.” Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No. 16 is currently investigating the incident as an “inconclusive death.”

Sola Adeniji

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