Liam Payne 'Looked Like a Broken Man' at Last Meeting with Source Who Had Known Him as Teen 'Full of Energy' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Liam Payne in London in February 2023.Photo:David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

According to a source who knew him as a teen “full of energy,“Liam Payne"looked like a broken man” during their final meeting, which occurred beforehe died on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 31after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The insider, who first met theOne Directionalum during theirX Factordays, described Payne back then as “a young boy, leaping around everywhere with the band, full of energy, jumping on seats and throwing cushions.”

After meeting with the “Sunshine” singer before Christmas in 2023, the source says they “noticed a real difference” in him.

Liam Payne performs in Manchester in November 2019.Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage

Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage

“He just looked like a broken man,” they said. “Like all his energy had gone.”

The insider added that Payne “mumbled when he spoke” and was “a completely different person.”

The British singer was pronounced dead after falling several stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE.

The worker also mentioned that Payne’s life might be “in danger” because he was “in a room with a balcony,” per Sky News.

“We’re afraid he could do something that threatens his life,” said the manager — who said his name was “Esteban” — according to the outlet.

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Liam Payne in Dubai in January 2023.Jeff Spicer/Getty

Jeff Spicer/Getty

On Thursday, Oct. 17,a preliminary autopsy revealedthat Payne died from multiple injuries and “internal and external” hemorrhages afterfalling from his hotel balcony, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE.

The prosecutor’s office handling the case says a toxicology report remains pending.

source: people.com