The One Direction singer fell from a hotel balcony this afternoon in Buenos Aires, Argentina, state police have said.
He was staying at the Hotel Cas Sur in the neighbourhood of Palermo, local media have said.
Earlier this month, Payne attended one of Niall Horan’s concerts in Argentina.
The singer was 16 when he joined One Direction in 2010 after being put in the group during an X Factor audtion alongside Niall, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.
Their hits including What Makes You Beautiful, Story of My Life, and Night Changes made them global stars.
Following the band’s split in 2016, Payne released solo music. This included Strip That Down in 2017 and the album LP1 in 2019.
He is survived by Bear, who he shared with former partner Cheryl.
Tributes have begun for Payne as fans and friends learn of the devastating news.
RIP Liam Payne condolences to friends and family,’ shared Jedward.
Rylan, who also found fame on X Factor wrote: ‘Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam x.’
Paris Hilton wrote: ‘So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.’ Steven Bartlett called the news ‘absolutely heartbreaking’.
