Geoff Payne, Liam Payne’s father, was seen paying a quiet tribute at a memorial site set up outside the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, where his son sadly passed away.
The grieving father, who traveled from the UK, arrived in Argentina on Friday, staying at a separate hotel with a small group.
Dressed in a navy suit with a black T-shirt and black shoes, Geoff visited CasaSur and joined a crowd of Liam’s fans who had gathered to create a tribute to the singer.
Dedicated fans of Liam and his former band, One Direction, have continued to visit the area since his passing on Wednesday, some in tears and others singing beloved songs. During Geoff’s visit, fans observed a moment of silence, and Geoff expressed gratitude by nodding to those who were present, as shown in local news coverage.
On that same day, Geoff took a few moments to look through the notes, cards, and flowers left by mourners.
He had always been a strong supporter of his son’s music career. Both he and his wife, Karen Payne, attended Liam’s “The X Factor” auditions, which led to his rise to fame alongside his bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson.
During Friday’s visit, Geoff, who is also father to Ruth Gibbins and Nicola Payne, made his way inside CasaSur and eventually went to the second-floor balcony overlooking the courtyard where Liam fell.
Due to the ongoing investigation, the third floor, where Liam’s room was located, is reportedly closed off. Liam, aged 31, passed away Wednesday following a fall from his third-story balcony.
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The singer, who had struggled with drug addiction in the past, was reported to be under the influence of a potent drug known to cause hallucinations and psychotic episodes.
Authorities found various drug paraphernalia, whiskey, and clonazepam — a medication for epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms, and panic disorders — scattered around his disheveled room.
Before his passing, Liam had reportedly displayed erratic behavior, even smashing his laptop after receiving a seemingly upsetting email.
Sources close to the investigation also informed local outlet La Nación that the “Strip That Down” singer had been partying and drinking with two women in his room in the hours leading up to his death. In a distressing call to emergency services, the hotel manager was overheard describing a male guest as appearing “high and drunk,” expressing concern he might harm himself.
Shortly afterward, Liam suffered a fatal fall, resulting in skull fractures and multiple traumas, including severe internal and external bleeding.
Liam’s family later issued a statement expressing their heartbreak, saying he would “forever live in [their] hearts” and requesting privacy as they grieved.
In a separate statement on Saturday, his sister Ruth Gibbins shared memories with her brother, writing, “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. Love you; my heart misses you dearly.”
She also vowed to care for Liam’s 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with his ex-partner, Cheryl Cole.
