Geoff Payne
Liam Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina following the singer’s sudden death at 31.
Geoff visited Casa Sur Hotel, the site of Liam’s death, on Friday, October 18. Outside the property, fans had set up an impromptu memorial with handwritten notes, letters, flowers and candles.
Geoff was spotted viewing the emotional tributes, even adjusting a friendship bracelet that had Liam’s name written on it. He was accompanied by former One Direction tour manager Paul Higgins. (Higgins helped manage Liam and his 1D bandmates’ lives on the road, with all five musicians even attending Higgins’ October 2012 wedding.)
Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, October 16, that Liam fell to his death from a third-story balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel. A preliminary autopsy report viewed by Us revealed that Payne died from “multiple injuries involving ‘internal and external hemorrhage,’” and was believed to be in a “state of semi or total unconsciousness” at the time of the fall.
Fans Hold Vigil Outside Argentina Hotel After Liam Payne’s Death
The “Strip That Down” performer is survived by Geoff and mother Karen, older sisters Ruth and Nicola and 7-year-old son Bear. (Liam shared his only child with ex Cheryl Cole.)
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Liam’s family told the BBC in a statement earlier this week. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Geoff Payne
It is not known whether Karen, Ruth or Nicola also traveled to Argentina. Ruth, for her part, recently addressed her sibling’s passing in an emotional social media tribute.
“I don’t believe this is happening. Many times have I poured my heart out publicly with pride about Liam but never much about life as his sister,” Ruth wrote via Instagram on Saturday, October 19. “Liam is my best friend, no one could ever make me laugh as much as him, doing his impressions always had me creasing and he loved seeing how much of a laugh he could get.”
Liam Payne’s Family ‘Heartbroken’ After His Death
Ruth also penned a note directly toward Liam.
“Liam, My brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening and I don’t understand where you’ve gone,” she added in her upload. “I just want to drive to your house and walk into music blasting and find you sat there writing a song or walk into your art phases and sit with you whilst you draw or craft.”
Ruth concluded, “Thank you for changing my life, thank you for the incredible memories, thank you for being the best brother and friend I’ll ever have! We’ll take care of Bear and he will always know how incredible his dad is and how much you idolize him.”
