Fans of Liam Payne Clash with Paparazzi to Safeguard Father Geoff Payne’s Privacy During Hotel Visit Post-Son’s Tragic Passing

Geoff Payne, the father of the late Liam Payne from One Direction, arrived at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 18 to retrieve his son’s belongings. The 31-year-old singer tragically passed away at the hotel, reportedly after falling from the balcony of his third-floor room on October 16.

Upon arrival, Geoff Payne faced a crowd of fans who stood in front of paparazzi, seeking to protect his privacy. The fans raised their hands to shield him from photographers as he entered the hotel, with videos of the scene gaining considerable traction on social media.

Geoff was seen at Buenos Aires International Airport in the early morning of October 18. As per sources from Argentine authorities, he first visited the morgue to confirm the identity of his son’s remains. Following this solemn task, he went to the local prosecutor’s office, which is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son’s tragic death.

The bereaved father made arrangements to fly his son’s body back to the United Kingdom prior to returning to the CasaSur Hotel to collect Liam’s personal effects. Outside the hotel, he took a moment to acknowledge the gathering of fans, expressing gratitude for their support before picking up one of his son’s photographs.

This visit marks the first public appearance of any family member following the heartbreaking news of Liam Payne’s death. The family has released an emotional statement mourning his passing, expressing their sorrow.

“Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we will remember him for his kind, funny, and brave spirit. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and kindly request privacy during this very difficult time,”read the statement.

In the wake of Liam Payne’s passing, the music community has been rocked, with tributes flowing in from fellow artists, including his former One Direction bandmates: Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

Investigations Reveal Liam Payne Was Under the Influence at Time of Death

BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend 2018 (Image via Getty) — BBC Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend 2018 (Image via Getty)

Investigators in Argentina have stated that Liam Payne was likely under the influence of both drugs and alcohol during the hours leading up to his death. Reports from prosecutors indicate that his hotel room was found in disarray, with various alcoholic beverages and narcotics scattered around, along with multiple broken items.

According to BBC reports, items recovered from the scene included a whiskey bottle, his passport, a mobile phone, and a lighter. Additionally, anxiety medication Clonazepam and various over-the-counter drugs were also discovered.

The autopsy report confirmed that Liam died from injuries sustained during the fall, which resulted in significant “internal and external hemorrhaging”in his head, chest, arms, and abdomen. While toxicology results are still being processed, a preliminary examination showed that he had sustained 25 injuries consistent with a fall from great height.

Authorities believe that Liam was alone at the time of the incident and do not suspect foul play, noting the absence of defensive wounds, implying he did not attempt to shield himself from the fall.

Uncertainty remains as to whether the singer’s fall was accidental or intentional. The report also suggests he may have fallen while in a state of reduced consciousness.

According to BBC updates, Liam Payne traveled to Argentina to attend a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan, which took place on October 2. Fans had seen him at the show with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. Only days before his death, he reportedly visited a friend’s residence in Argentina with Cassidy, who had already departed before his passing.

On the afternoon of October 16, staff at the CasaSur hotel called the police around 5 PM local time regarding a guest who appeared to be “overwhelmed by drugs and alcohol”and was damaging his room. The hotel’s front desk manager expressed concerns about the guest’s wellbeing, stating:

“I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger, but he has a balcony and we’re a bit worried that he might do something dangerous.”

Liam Payne is thought to have fallen from the balcony of his third-floor room, about 45 feet high, at around 5:17 PM local time. Staff reported hearing a “loud thud”in the courtyard, where police later discovered his body. Emergency responders declared him dead at the scene, stating there was “no chance of resuscitation.”

Authorities have confiscated Liam’s phone and laptop, which may contain crucial information. Five witnesses have been interrogated, including three hotel employees and two women believed to have been in his company before the incident; however, it’s believed the women left the hotel prior to the tragedy.

Liam Payne leaves behind his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, as well as his seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.

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