The music community was left in disbelief on Wednesday upon hearing the tragic news that Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, had passed away outside a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Payne, part of the renowned British boy band, was found dead after a fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires’ Palermo area. According to local police, they were called to the hotel regarding an “aggressive individual who might be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to “extremely serious injuries” sustained from the fall, as reported.

Rising to fame with One Direction, which included members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, Payne was also a father to a 7-year-old son named Bear, whom he shared with British singer Cheryl Cole.

A wave of tributes came in from One Direction’s circle and other celebrities like Charlie Puth and Paris Hilton following the news of the 31-year-old’s death.

Reactions from Harry Styles’ Mom and One Direction’s Guitarist: ‘Just a Boy’

Anne Twist, Harry Styles’ mother, expressed her grief on Instagram with a screenshot of a heartbreak emoji, captioned with “Just a boy 💔.”

Dan Richards, who played guitar for One Direction, also conveyed his disbelief through an Instagram Story, stating, “This feels so surreal. Thank you to everyone reaching out; I’m still trying to process this. My thoughts are with Liam’s family during this time.”

Charlie Puth’s Tribute to Liam Payne: ‘I’m in Shock’

Charlie Puth shared his reaction on Instagram, saying, “I am in shock right now,” remembering how “Liam was always so kind to me.”

He reflected, “He was one of the first major artists I had the chance to work with. I can’t believe he’s gone” The 32-year-old singer-songwriter added a video of their time together, writing, “I am so upset right now. May he rest in peace.”

Before achieving fame, Payne auditioned for the U.K. reality show “The X-Factor” twice. He made it after auditioning in 2008 and 2010 but was eliminated both times.

However, in 2010, Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, and Louis Walsh saw potential in him and grouped him with fellow solo performers Styles, Horan, Tomlinson, and Malik.

After their breakout single “What Makes You Beautiful” became a global sensation, One Direction released their first album “Up All Night.” They subsequently released four more albums, filled arenas worldwide during four major tours, and achieved multiple Top 10 hits like “Story of My Life,” “Best Song Ever,” and “Drag Me Down.”

The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 after their fifth album, “Made in the A.M.” They all ventured into solo careers, including Malik, who departed the group in March 2015.

Fans Gather to Honor Liam Payne Outside Buenos Aires Hotel

According to reporters from Reuters, fans started to converge outside the hotel as night fell, while police and emergency services set up a perimeter around the area.

A 25-year-old fan named Yamila Zacarias shared how her family made significant sacrifices for her to attend a One Direction concert in Argentina years ago, but she eventually chose not to go due to financial constraints.

“He meant so much to me because the band came into my life during a time when I was seeking a sense of belonging, and being a One Direction fan became that for me,” she stated. “This was my chance to honor him.”

Another fan, Violeta Antier, mentioned that she rushed to the scene after hearing from her sister about Payne’s death.

“I saw him just two weeks ago at a Niall (Horan) concert, another member of One Direction. He was there, and he seemed fine,” she remarked.

On October 2, Payne attended his former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert in Buenos Aires, part of a Latin American tour that included stops in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. The duo shared videos together and interacted with fans during the concert.

Star Reactions to Liam Payne’s Tragic Passing: Zedd, Paris Hilton, and More

Paris Hilton was among the many stars who expressed their sorrow online after learning of the singer’s death.

In a post on X, she wrote, “I’m so saddened to hear about @LiamPayne’s passing😢,” and continued, “Sending love and condolences to his family and loved ones. 🙏 Rest in peace, my friend.”

Lou Teasdale, One Direction’s former hairdresser, also paid tribute, stating, “Sending Thank you all for your immense love.”

Zedd, who worked with Payne on the track “Get Low,” expressed his sorrow over the passing of the British artist on X, saying: “RIP Liam, it’s hard to believe this is happening,  utterly heartbreaking.”

Additionally, numerous artists took to social media to share their sympathies, including Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, Flavor Flav, as well as various former contestants from “X-Factor.”