LIAM Payne was dropped by his record label Universal just days before his tragic death, according to reports.
The singer, 31, died on Wednesday afternoon after falling from the third floor balcony of his hotel room in Argentina.
Liam Payne was reportedly dropped by his music label prior to his death[/caption]
His second album was shelved amid career turbulence[/caption]
Pictures from inside his trashed hotel room paint a harrowing picture as white powder and burnt aluminium foil cover a messy table, while his TV screen was completely smashed.
Liam was reportedly acting “erratically” in the hours before his death, and a chilling 911 call from a member of the hotel’s staff described him as under the influence of drink and drugs and being aggressive.
Now it has been claimed Liam’s music career had been hit by a major blow ahead of the tragedy when his label axed him from their roster.
A source told the Mail: “Liam’s advance was massive and he didn’t recoup [it].
“Out of all of the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically.”
Liam’s second album was put on hold after his latest solo single, Teardrops, failed to chart upon its release in March.
Last month Liam parted ways with his longtime manager, too.
The source continued: “It is like all of Liam’s music career that he had built up since he went solo eight years ago was crumbling, there was very little left for him.
“It must have absolutely devastated him.”
Following Liam’s death, Universal shared a statement on social media.
It read: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne.
“His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him.
“We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.”
The star appeared in good spirits on his South American stay in the days prior to his death. He had watched bandmate Niall Horan perform in Buenos Aires before enjoying some downtime with girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
He was caught on video talking to fans and comparing tattoos outside a hotel in the days before the tragedy.
Girlfriend Kate left the country days ago, having grown restless being in the same place for two weeks.
It was reported overnight that Liam may have been unconscious when he fell to his death.
The One Direction star’s autopsy found he died from severe injuries sustained in the fall but that he didn’t adopt a reflex position.
Liam was staying at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires before he fell from the third floor balcony[/caption]
Prosecutors said that given this, the position he was found in and the injuries he sustained, he may have been partly or fully unconscious when he fell.
A post-mortem revealed that Liam died after suffering “internal and external haemorrhaging” caused by the severe injuries.
He was found dead in the inner courtyard of Hotel CasaSur in Palermo at around 5pm local time (9pm UK time).
Argentinian police are currently waiting for more tests to establish the details of the singer’s death.
Photos published by local media appeared to show the inside of his luxury suite on the day he died, with traces of white powder and aluminium foil on a tabletop.
Buenos Aires police confirmed the room was in a state of “total disorder”.
They released a statement saying: “Upon entering, total disorder was observed, with various elements broken.
“The balcony area was inspected in order to establish access to it.”
It comes as:
- Liam’s cause of death was released by medics
- A heartbreaking 911 call from worried hotel staff was revealed
- Cops are reportedly set to hunt for a drug dealer
- Cheryl ‘feared the worst’ for her ex
- Liam’s girlfriend revealed why she left Argentina
- Simon Cowell cancelled BGT auditions after Liam’s death
Clarin, Argentina’s biggest newspaper, published the images alongside a report saying: “Damage and drugs in the hotel room Liam Payne was staying in in Buenos Aires.”
The singer had been open about his battles with addiction in the past.
But cops are yet to confirm what the substances found in the room are and are due to run tests on them shortly.
His One Direction bandmates released a joint statement before sharing their individual tributes.
The group release said: “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.”
White powder and burnt aluminium foil was allegedly pictured inside Liam’s hotel room[/caption]
A smashed up TV and champagne glasses were also pictured[/caption]
