LIAM Payne’s devastated dad is reportedly trying to get his son’s body back home in the UK as soon as possible to lay him to rest.
The One Direction star, 31, tragically fell to his death from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
The singer’s loved ones made a desperate dash to South America late on Wednesday night just hours after learning the heartbreaking news.
Footage taken outside the Casa Sur hotel on Friday showed a sombre Geoff Payne bending down to read messages written to his son.
The distraught, bleary-eyed dad waved to Liam’s fans as he took in the touching display.
Dressed in a dark suit with his hands clasped in front of him, Geoff was shielded by police and security from dozens of fans and reporters.
According to a source with the Buenos Aires City police, the pop star’s body has been returned to his family by the prosecutor looking into his untimely death.
It comes as…
- Cheryl breaks her silence following Liam’s death
- Louis Tomlinson seen for first time
- Tragic messages prove Louis was ‘reaching out to Liam’
- Liam’s worried friends planned an intervention over his drink & drug use
- Cops reveal minute-by-minute breakdown of events before Liam’s death
- Liam’s phone key to solving death mystery – as cops hunt drug dealer
- One of the last people to see Liam alive reveals ‘disturbing’ behaviour
- Liam was ‘dropped by his record label’ days before he died
They are currently finishing the necessary paperwork to have his body repatriated, the Buenos Aires Herald was told.
Liam’s grieving dad is now trying to speed up the repatriation of his son’s body to take it back home to the UK, Argentine paper Clarin reports.
But the final call will be made by judge and the prosecutor Marcelo Roma, who is in charge of an investigation for “doubtful death.”
According to Clarin, Liam was alone in the room, with no other way in, and allegedly “was experiencing some type of substance abuse flare.”
The transfer of his body could be approved as it has been shown that no third parties were involved in the fatal fall.
But toxicological and histopathological tests – deemed essential to the outcome of the investigation – and could cause a delay.
Geoff Payne went into the Forensic Medical Corps judicial mortuary in Balvanera at around 3pm on Friday to identify his son’s body, Clarin reports.
The Argentine outlet also reported that since the judge had not yet been consulted, it was ruled out that Liam’s remains could be returned on Friday.
Geoff is said to have asked permission to enter Liam’s room at the Hotel CasaSur Palermo to remove his son’s belongings.
Champagne, prescription drugs, white powder and foil wraps were all found in Liam’s trashed hotel room after the fatal fall at around 5pm (9pm UK time).
Fellow hotel guests revealed the star had been acting in a “disturbing” manner shortly before his fall, with Liam admitting to one woman: “I used to be in a boy band – that’s why I’m so f**ked up.”
Liam’s family said after his passing: “We are heartbroken.
“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space during this awful time.”
His parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, were seen leaving their home in the middle of the night on Wednesday.
They left “in a hurry” at around midnight as news of Liam’s death reached the family home in Wolverhampton.
On Thursday morning the downstairs curtains remained drawn at the four bedroom detached house in Codsall.
A family member who answered the door told reporters: “We’re obviously devastated at the news but we don’t want to comment.”
Neighbours said the couple left in a hurry while two women, believed to be Liam’s sisters, Ruth and Nicola, were seen entering the property at 9am on Thursday.
One Direction statements in full
We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”