Liam Payne went through 'periods of ruinous behavior' before his death, reveals source

An insider revealed Liam Payne experienced 'periods of ruinous behavior,' discussing his struggles but often downplaying their severity before death
UPDATED OCT 17, 2024
Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires after falling from the third floor balcony of a hotel (Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer/GC Images)
Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires after falling from the third floor balcony of a hotel (Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer/GC Images)

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: Liam Payne went through 'periods of ruinous behavior' and spent the final years of his life in crisis, a source close to Payne informed Page Six.

The former One Direction member reportedly died at age 31 after falling from a hotel building in Argentina on Wednesday, October 16. He was confirmed dead by ambulance workers after he was found in an interior hotel patio in Buenos Aires, as per local media reports.

Insider says Liam Payne went through 'periods of ruinous behavior' before his death

The insider informed the media outlet, "Liam had been cycling through periods of ruinous behavior for a long time. He was open about his struggles but tried to downplay them at times. His demons were much worse than he let on."

The reason behind Liam's untimely death was not revealed immediately but police said that the former One Direction member may have been "under the influence of drugs or alcohol" before jumping off the balcony of his room leading to "extremely serious" and fatal injuries.

(Getty Images)
Liam Payne died at the age of 31 (Getty Images)

Earlier on Wednesday, Payne posted a video on Snapchat saying he was having a "lovely day in Argentina" with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, but it later turned out to be an old video, per the outlet.

Liam Payne once spoke about having 'suicidal ideation'

Liam Payne has spoken candidly in recent years about battling addiction and mental health issues. During a podcast in 2021, he revealed that he hit "rock bottom" and experienced "suicidal ideation" during his time in the chart-topping boy band.

Moreover, In 2023, he announced that he had gone to rehab and was more than 100 days sober. Payne made one of his final public appearances on October 2, 2024, while attending Niall Horan’s concert in Buenos Aires.

Around two weeks before his tragic death, Liam revealed that he wanted to reconcile with his former One Direction bandmate, Niall Horan. He said in a video on Snapchat that was reposted on X, "I think we might just go and say hello."



 

He added, "It’s been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We’ve got a lot to talk about. And I would like to square up a couple things with the boy."

Liam Payne's girlfriend didn't like staying in Argentina for long

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy revealed that the couple was only planning to visit Argentina for five days, but ended up staying for two weeks, per E News. She left for Miami on October 14 while Payne stayed back.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy arrive at the
Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy revealed that the couple was only planning to visit Argentina for five days (Getty Images)

Cassidy said in a TikTok video, "I was so ready to leave. Honestly, love South America but I hate staying in one place for too long. And we were supposed to be there for, like, five days, turned into two weeks. I was just like, I need to go home."

She went on to say, "I was so happy to be home. It was so relieving."

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