Just hours before the idol’s tragic death, a frantic call from hotel staff shows their urgent attempt to prevent a devastating outcome.
Former One Direction singer Liam Payne tragically passed away at the age of 31 on October 16, 2024, in Buenos Aires, after a fall from a hotel balcony. New details reveal an emergency call from the CasaSur Palermo Hotel’s receptionist hours before the accident, where he expressed concern for the singer. This has left fans heartbroken, many expressing sympathy for those who tried to intervene.
According to the call, the hotel’s head of reception, Esteban, made a call to local emergency services after noticing erratic behavior from Payne, who had been staying at the hotel for two to three days. The translated transcript of the original Spanish call captures the gravity of the situation.
“Hello, good morning. I just called, but the line was cut off. I’m calling from the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, Costa Rica 6032,” the receptionist began. When asked for details, Esteban explained that they have a guest who when “conscious, he breaks, he’s breaking the whole room. And, well, we need you to send someone, please.”
Fans gathered outside CasaSur Palermo Hotel, dated October 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/Reuters
After a series of questions from the operator, Esteban’s tone became more urgent. “He is in a room with a balcony. And, well, we are a little afraid that he might do something that puts his life at risk,” he stated and made clear that they couldn’t get into the room. Seconds later, he requested help again, “What I’m asking you is for someone to come urgently.”
In the end, the dispatcher sent medical personnel, called “SAME” in Argentina, but not the police.
Fans gathered outside CasaSur Palermo Hotel, dated October 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/Reuters
Fans have flooded social media with comments expressing their sadness and empathy for the hotel staff, particularly Esteban, who made the call. One fan wrote, “Bless this man’s heart. He knew something was very wrong. He tried to help him. I hope he does not live with any type of guilt. He did the right thing. They just didn’t get there in time. 😢💔”
Others echoed similar sentiments, praising Esteban’s actions. “I hope Esteban knows he did his best and that’s all he could do!” one fan wrote, while someone else lamented, “So incredibly sad!! This poor man tried to save him! 😢❤️🙌”.
Another fan highlighted the heartbreaking reality of the situation, “The fact that he even says ‘he is in a room with a balcony and who knows if he’ll do something to put his life in danger’ it’s just heartbreaking 😭.” One netizen said, “‘We need someone who can get here quickly bc idk if the guest’s life is in danger’ THEY TRIED TO SAVE HIM [sic].”
As reported previously, Payne’s unexpected death sparked an official investigation to understand the circumstances of the tragic event that occurred at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
Payne was staying at the 4-star accommodation in the Latin American country when the fatal fall happened, according to police. Emergency services were called to the hotel to respond to a man acting erratically, possibly under the influence, as reported by Alberto Crescenti, the director of Buenos Aires Emergency Medical Services, to ABC News.
Crescenti added that Payne was found in the hotel’s inner courtyard, where he was pronounced dead on the scene. He further explained to the local media outlet TN that the singer fell from a height of 13 to 14 meters (42 to 45 feet) and described his injuries as “very serious” and “incompatible with life.”
Witnesses also reportedly told TMZ that Payne was acting erratically in the hotel lobby earlier in the day. Before the incident, there were allegations that he had destroyed his laptop and required assistance returning to his room.
Several hotel guests confirmed that the singer was seen falling from the third-floor balcony just after 5 p.m., although it remains unclear whether this was accidental or intentional.
Authorities quickly responded to the scene and set up a red tent over the scene as they began their investigation. Crescenti mentioned that emergency services arrived at 5:11 p.m., just a few minutes after the emergency call. Unfortunately, there was no possibility of saving Payne, whose identity was only confirmed after he was pronounced dead.
Payne had been in Argentina earlier in the month to reunite with his former One Direction bandmate, Niall Horan, who was having a concert. The 31-year-old singer had been a key member of the globally successful boy band, joining the group at age 16 when they were launched on “The X Factor.” They achieved massive international fame before disbanding in 2015.
Payne is survived by his son, Bear, whom he shares with singer Cheryl Cole (now Cheryl Tweedy). The couple confirmed they were expecting their first child in November 2016, and Bear was born in 2017.
In a 2018 interview, Payne discussed the joys and challenges of fatherhood. “I always wanted to be a young dad, but I didn’t really expect that I’d ever be in this place,” he told People.
The singer also humorously referred to himself as “Dada Montana” as he balanced his music career with being a parent. Our prayers go out to his family and all the fans who loved him.
