Liam Payne's boyhood football club share touching tribute after singer's death at 31

West Brom, the beloved football club of the late Liam Payne, have expressed their condolences following the tragic death of the former One Direction member at the age of 31.

Payne passed away on Wednesday after a fall from a third-floor hotel balcony during a holiday in Argentina. The local police issued a statement saying they were summoned to the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires' Palermo district after receiving reports of an 'aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol'.

Upon their arrival, the hotel manager informed them of a loud noise emanating from the inner courtyard. The police then discovered that a man had tragically fallen from his room's balcony.

Payne was a key member of the UK boyband One Direction, which was formed on X Factor in 2010 and went on hiatus indefinitely five years later. Born in Wolverhampton, close to West Brom, Payne was a passionate supporter of the club, who paid tribute to him on social media.

"We're shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne," the club posted, accompanied by a photo of Payne at their home ground, the Hawthorns. "Our thoughts are with Liam's family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time."

During his appearance in Soccer Aid, the annual charity football match, in 2022, Payne proudly declared himself a 'huge West Brom supporter'. "I don't get to the games as often as I'd like, though," he confessed.

In 2017, West Brom showcased their heartfelt camaraderie by gifting Payne with a special jersey for his newborn son Bear, born from his relationship with Cheryl.

The tragic news broke on Wednesday evening that Payne fell from an estimated height of around 13 or 14 metres, leading to fatal consequences.

The grim details emerged when a local ambulance chief informed Argentine media outlet TN: "At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel."

They detailed further: "There is an internal courtyard where the victim fell, with tables and chairs: the hotel's confectionery shop operates there. The space has a retractable roof that was open at the time. Fortunately, there were no other people there."

Alberto Crescenti, the director of the regional emergency medical service, disclosed to Todo Noticias TV in Argentina: "A few minutes later [an] emergency team arrived and confirmed the death of this man who we later learned was from a musical group. He had injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall. There was no way to do anything."