One of ’s countless fans is speaking out about her encounter with the singer days before his tragic death.
During the week, Peru resident was in Buenos Aires and had the opportunity to run into the former One Direction member.
“I knew that Liam was here in Palermo,” Bravo, 23, exclusively told Us Weekly. “We were trying to see him with my friend. We came to the hotel. We saw him. He greeted us, but we didn’t think these things would happen.”
While Bravo couldn’t get a picture with Payne, she was able to see the singer interact with fans from afar.
“He always showed himself [as] very kind and respectful with the fans,” she said. “We came to see him. He always had a moment for us, to take pictures with us, at least some autographs. … But as they say, you never know what’s [going on] internally, even if you look happy on the outside.”
Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, October 16, that Payne died at age 31 following a fall from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.
A preliminary autopsy report obtained by Us on Thursday, October 17, revealed that Payne had died from “internal and external” hemorrhages. Police sources also told Us that it’s unknown “whether he jumped” or if Payne’s death was an accident.
“Seeing what happened to Liam breaks my heart,” Bravo shared with Us. “It’s something I can’t explain.”
When she first heard the news of Payne’s passing, Bravo said she initially thought it was fake. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I can’t believe it. I’m still in shock.”
While investigating Payne’s hotel room after his death, police found the scene littered with alcohol, drugs and several broken items.
“Everything indicates that the musician was alone when the fall occurred, and was going through some kind of episode due to substance abuse,” read a statement from the prosecutor’s office in Buenos Aires on Thursday, October 17, per Reuters. “City police who surveyed the scene found substances inside the room that at first glance — and pending confirmation from the experts — would be narcotics and alcoholic beverages, as well as several destroyed objects and furniture.”
Payne was previously candid about his mental health struggles and achieved a 100-day sober milestone last year.
Since his death, those closest to Payne have chosen to celebrate his life and music career. In addition to sharing their own separate statements, , , and came together on behalf of One Direction to pay tribute to their “brother.”
“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,” the boy band wrote via Instagram on Thursday. “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. … We love you Liam.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
With reporting by Luciana Arias
