Liam Payne’s dad, Geoff, mourns late One Direction member alongside fans at Buenos Aires hotel where singer died
Liam Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, was seen solemnly paying his respects at the memorial site created outside of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires where his son tragically died.
The UK-native flew in to Argentina on Friday and checked into a separate hotel with an entourage.
Geoff then made his way to CasaSur wearing a navy suit, black T-shirt and matching black shoes.
While at the hotel, the grieving father joined a large group of fans who had made a memorial for Liam.
The devoted supporters of the late singer and his former band, One Direction, have been seen surrounding the area since Liam’s death on Wednesday, crying and singing their favorite songs.
Liam Payne’s dad, Geoff Payne, visited his son’s memorial site in Argentina Friday. REUTERS
He was surrounded by fans who paid their respects to Liam as well. Getty Images
When Geoff was there, the fans were seen in a local news video sharing a moment of silence, while the dad nodded in appreciation for all who had gathered there.
On Friday, the proud dad also took a moment to look over all of the cards, notes and flowers that people had left behind.
Geoff had always been very supportive of his son’s singing career.
He and wife Karen Payne attended both of Liam’s “The X Factor” auditions, which ultimately catapulted him to superstardom alongside bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
On Friday, the father of three, who shared Liam and his sisters, Ruth Gibbins and Nicola Payne, with Karen, also made his way inside the CasaSur hotel at one point.
He was seen going up to the second-floor balcony and overlooking the courtyard area where his son fell.
The third floor, where Liam’s room was, has reportedly been closed off due to an ongoing investigation.
Geoff thanked Liam’s fans for their support. REUTERS
He also took a moment to look at the cards, flowers and gifts left behind. Getty Images
The beloved singer tragically died at age 31 Wednesday after falling from his third-story balcony.
Liam — who had a history of drug addiction — had reportedly been under the influence of a potent drug that can cause hallucinations and psychotic attacks.
Police found lots of drug paraphernalia and alcohol scattered all over his trashed room, including whiskey and clonazepam, which is used to control epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms or panic disorders.
Liam’s behavior leading up to his death had also indicated that he was likely high, as he had reportedly been acting erratically and even smashed his laptop when he received an email that seemingly upset him.
Sources close to the investigation also told local news outlet La Nación that the “Strip That Down” singer had reportedly been partying and drinking alcohol with two prostitutes in his room hours before he died.
Geoff was seen solemnly grieving his son during his visit to Buenos Aires. REUTERS
He shared Liam with wife Karen Payne. Express & Star / SWNS
In a harrowing 911 call, the hotel’s manager was overheard saying a male guest appeared “high and drunk” and the staffer feared the man could harm himself.
Liam died shortly after. He fractured his skull and his cause of death was determined to be multiple traumas, internal and external bleeding that he sustained from his fall.
The “Story of My Life” singer’s family released a joint statement after his death, saying they were “heartbroken” and that Liam would “forever live in [their] hearts.”
Liam’s family said they were “heartbroken” over his death. np2788/Instagram
The former One Direction member died at age 31 after falling from a third-story balcony. Alan West/WENN.com
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time,” the statement continued.
In an additional statement Saturday, Gibbins reminisced on memories with her brother and wrote, “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. Love you, oh how my heart misses you.”
She also promised to “take care of” Liam’s 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex Cheryl Cole.
