Loud, Violent Scream Reported Before Tragic Death of Liam Payne
A guest staying at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel heard a “really loud, violent scream” coming from Liam Payne’s room before the One Direction singer’s death, according to a new report.
Payne died at the age of 31 on Wednesday, after he fell three stories from the balcony of his room at the hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Surroundings of Chaos: What Witnesses Experienced
In an interview with People magazine, another guest staying at the same hotel recounted unsettling sounds emitting from Payne’s room, describing them as “heavy lifting” or “banging.” The noise was initially mistaken for construction work. “I thought it was construction. I thought they were working on the room,” the patron reflected, illuminating a stark contrast between mundane expectations and the ensuing tragedy.
The same guest observed hotel staff members “going in and out” of Payne’s room around 4:30 PM, accompanied by escalating noise, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Moments later, a piercing scream shattered the relative calm. “I heard a really loud, violent scream,” they recalled, a phrase that echoes the chaos of that fateful day.
As sirens wailed in the distance, the guest’s unease turned to concern when they noticed a multitude of police vehicles flooding the area. They later learned of the tragic incident when authorities confirmed Payne’s death shortly after 5 PM.
The Frightening Details Unfold
An employee from the hotel made an alarming 911 call reporting a situation involving a guest “under the influence of drugs and alcohol who had destroyed some objects in the room.” Their plea for urgent help contained a sense of foreboding as they expressed fear for Payne’s life, mentioning the precarious nature of having a balcony.
Upon encountering the scene, officials found that Payne had already succumbed to his injuries after falling from his balcony. A preliminary autopsy identified “polytrauma” and “an internal and external hemorrhage” as the primary causes of death, underscoring the severity of his fall.
“I heard a really loud, violent scream.”
Investigations and Revelations from the Scene
As investigations continued, the circumstances surrounding his death were labeled as “dubious.” It appeared that Payne had been alone when the fall occurred, casting a shadow over his state at that moment. Reports indicated that he was “going through some type of outbreak resulting from substance abuse.” At the scene, investigators noted the presence of a whiskey bottle, lighter, and cellphone—distinct items that illuminated an unsettling narrative.
His body was later taken to the Judicial Morgue for a detailed autopsy. Examiners noted extensive injuries, revealing 25 points of trauma consistent with a fall. The report raised concerns about Payne’s unconsciousness at the time of the plunge, suggesting that he did not have the opportunity to react defensively.
A Career Remembered, A Legacy Honored
Payne had been a rising star ever since he was discovered by Simon Cowell at the tender age of 14, during his audition for “The X Factor.” Despite initial setbacks, he forged ahead, ultimately forming the iconic boy band One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. This group would go on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, with timeless hits like “What Makes You Beautiful.”
Beyond his illustrious music career, Payne was a father to his son, Bear, aged 7, with his ex-girlfriend, Cheryl Cole. The ripple effects of his unexpected passing have touched his family, his bandmates, and countless fans worldwide, sparking tributes that memorialize a beloved figure gone too soon.