Liam Payne's final years were marked by a deep personal crisis, according to a source close to the former One Direction member who spoke exclusively to Page Six. "Liam had been enduring cycles of destructive behavior for quite some time," the insider revealed. "He was candid about his battles but often minimized their severity. The reality was far more grim than he admitted."
Payne passed away on Wednesday in Buenos Aires after a tragic fall from the third floor of a hotel. He was 31 years old. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, but authorities suggest that the singer, known for hits like "Strip That Down," may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he plunged from his balcony, sustaining injuries that proved fatal.
Earlier that day, Payne shared a video on Snapchat, appearing to enjoy a "lovely day in Argentina" with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. However, the footage seemed outdated as Cassidy, a 25-year-old influencer, had reportedly returned to Florida earlier in the week, according to her TikTok account.
The English pop star, who rose to fame as part of One Direction on "The X Factor" in 2008, had openly discussed his struggles with addiction and mental health in recent years. In a 2021 podcast, Payne admitted hitting "rock bottom" and grappling with suicidal thoughts during his tenure in the chart-topping boy band, which disbanded in 2016. The group, which also included Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, saw Zayn Malik leave in 2015.
Despite these challenges, Payne, who shares a 7-year-old son named Bear with ex-partner Cheryl Cole, announced in 2023 that he had completed a rehab program and achieved over 100 days of sobriety. His last public appearance was on October 2 at Horan's concert in Buenos Aires, a gesture of reconciliation after Payne had criticized One Direction in a 2022 interview. Styles, Horan, Tomlinson, and Malik have not yet publicly commented on their former bandmate's passing.
Representatives for Payne did not respond promptly to Page Six's request for comment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. For those struggling with substance abuse, the SAMHSA helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP.
