Liam Payne's dad Geoff among mourners paying tribute to star at hotel where he died

Singer Liam Payne's father Geoff has been pictured among mourners paying tribute to his late son at the hotel in Argentina where he tragically died on Wednesday

Liam Payne's father has paid a heartfelt tribute to his son at the hotel where he tragically lost his life. The late singer's dad, Geoff Payne, was seen amidst mourners paying their respects to the former One Direction star.

It's reported that police were called to the hotel following reports of a "man acting aggressively at the hotel who could be under the effect of drink or drugs". It's thought that Liam fell from a height of around 13 or 14 metres, sustaining "very serious injuries incompatible with life."

Police have stated that the music star's hotel room was "in complete disarray" with "various items broken". In an official statement given to The Associated Press, Argentinian police revealed that the father-of-one had "jumped from the balcony of his room", seemingly dispelling any suggestions of an accidental fall or foul play. Local media reports suggest Liam had been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

READ MORE: Liam Payne's bid to get help as he checked into rehab weeks before tragic death

In a frantic call made to emergency services, hotel staff requested 'urgent' support just prior to his death. Geoff and Karen Payne departed "in a hurry" around midnight as news of Liam's death reached their home in Wolverhampton reports the Mirror.

Following the tragic news, Liam's family said in a statement: "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 at this awful time."

One Direction shared a heartfelt collective statement on Thursday night about the loss of their bandmate, Liam. Signed by "Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry", the statement read: "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."

Liam’s ex-partner, Cheryl Tweedy, with whom he had son Bear, aged seven, spoke out as well. She said her heart breaks thinking that Bear might witness "exploitation" targeting his father in future. This comment comes after TMZ faced backlash for publishing images of Liam after his tragic accident, which many labelled as "sick".

Cheryl voiced her concerns: “What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. " Her words followed those from Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who admitted her devastation over the incident.

"Nothing about the past few days have felt real," she stated in an Instagram story post. "Liam, my angel, you are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam."

Meanwhile, music mogul Simon Cowell expressed his deep sorrow following the singer's passing, saying he was "truly devastated" and felt both "heartbroken" and "empty". Payne rose to fame with Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Harry Styles when The X Factor creator Cowell assembled them into the band One Direction on the ITV talent show in 2010.

"Every tear I have shed is a memory of you," he shared in an emotional statement on Instagram. The 65 year old music industry heavyweight remarked that Payne's son Bear "will be so proud of everything you achieved, and how you achieved it".

Payne initially tried out for The X Factor in 2008 at age 14, performing Frank Sinatra's Fly Me To The Moon, with judge Cowell advising him to come back to the show two years later. In 2010, he wowed the judges with Michael Buble's Cry Me A River and was then grouped with four other solo contestants at the boot camp stage – forming what would become One Direction.

"I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn't your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn't," Cowell recalled. He also mentioned that Payne had visited him last year, where they "reminisced about all of the fun times we had together".

"After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago," he added. Horan's tribute followed last, expressing how he will "cherish every moment" spent with Payne "forever".

Recently, Payne was seen enjoying himself at Horan's concert about two weeks prior at the Movistar Arena with his girlfriend Cassidy in Argentina. "I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking," penned Horan.

Payne's fellow band members have also individually shared their heartfelt homages online, while a collective statement from the band conveyed their utter devastation, stating they will "miss him terribly" and the "memories we shared with him will be treasured forever."

Following the tragedy of his death due to multiple traumas and both "internal and external haemorrhage", as revealed by a post-mortem examination, the incident remains under a microscope. The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No 16 in Argentina described the case as one of "inconclusive death" pending further investigation results.