New details about Liam Payne's death have been revealed less than 48 hours after the news was announced to the world.
On Wednesday (October 16), it was reported that the 31-year-old former One Direction band member had tragically died after falling from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Payne had been staying at the Hotel CasaSur in the Palermo neighborhood, when he suffered a fall from a third-floor room, leaving him with fatal injuries.
The BBC reported that the head of Buenos Aires's SAME emergency medical service, Alberto Crescenti, told local television that Payne had suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall" and there was "no possibility of resuscitation."
A preliminary autopsy was carried out and confirmed that the 'Strip That Down' hitmaker suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external hemorrhaging” from the impact of the fall.
A full-scale investigation into the death of the star is still currently underway and new details may point to the idea Payne may have been "unconscious or semi-conscious" at the time of his death, as per Argentina's prosecutor's office.
The New York Post reports that the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No. 16 reported that the position of Payne’s body on the ground, as well as his injuries, indicated he “did not adopt a reflex posture to protect himself” and that he may have “fallen while in a state of semi or total unconsciousness."
According to the Daily Mail, detectives confirmed that a series of substances were seized from the hotel room "indicating the previous situation of alcohol and drug consumption."
Prior to Payne's death, hotel staff were forced to call 911 regarding "an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol" who was "smashing up his room."
The BBC also added that hotel guests claimed to hear "violent noises" resembling that from a construction site coming from the singer's room before his death.
In the wake of the harrowing news, the official One Direction account has released a statement on behalf of the band.
Taking to Instagram, the statement read: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us," the statement continued before signing off: "We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam. - Louis, Zayn, Niall, and Harry."
Some of the band members also released individual statements reflecting on their thoughts during this difficult period.
Louis Tomlinson took to his personal Instagram account to emphasize his love for his "brother."
"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother," he wrote. "Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for."
He continued: "Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam."
Tomlinson then went on to directly address his close friend in a touching segment of the statement.
"A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be."
He also stated that he would be there for Payne's son, Bear, seven, if he ever needed anything.
"I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got [a] chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you," he said before concluding: "Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well."
Zayn Malik also posted a statement that read: "I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can't help but think selfishly that there [were] so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life."
Speaking candidly Malik reflected on their time in the band as teenagers writing: "When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know that you were my friend and that I was loved. Even though you were younger than me, you were always more sensible than me."
Malik also added that Payne was "headstrong, opinionated and gave no f**ks about telling people when they were wrong" and that even though the pair "butted heads" a few times, he "secretly respected" Payne because of it.
"I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage, we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next," the post continued. "I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.
"I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever," the Bradford-born singer added.
Harry Styles also posted a tribute to his late band member, writing: "I am truly devastated by Liam's passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it. Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious."
Styles went on to describe his former bandmate stating: "He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend."
Signing off his post, the 'Sign of the Times' hitmaker also shared his condolences with Payne's family: "My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did."
Niall Horan also shared a heartfelt message writing: "I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real.
"Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure. All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness."
He continued: "We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime.
"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. My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola, and of course his son Bear. Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother. Nialler."
Our thoughts are with Payne's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.