Liam Payne Fans Spread Sad Theory About His Death

The world is still reeling from the shocking news of Liam Payne‘s death. But some fans are clinging to an explanation that may be a little less painful than others…

As we previously reported, the One Direction star was killed on Wednesday afternoon in a fall from the balcony of his room at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s still unclear what made him go over the 3rd floor (what we’d call the 4th floor in the US) railing. But we have been told it was intentional.

On Thursday, the Buenos Aires Security Ministry confirmed in a statement to the AP this wasn’t a slip, he didn’t lean over too far. They say he “jumped from the balcony of his room.” Many naturally made the leap to suicide when they heard that. After all, Liam has been open about battling “severe” suicidal ideation in the past.

But another theory has been gaining traction online. Many fans believe he was not attempting to take his own life. They think he was trying to go for a swim.

We know from the hotel’s chief receptionist, who called 911 just before Liam’s death that the singer was “aggressive” and thought to be “high on drugs.” And from the very first reports we know he was in the lobby of the hotel first. According to some, he got belligerent when he was denied entry to the pool area — due to his intoxication.

Fans have been floating the theory that under the influence, he might have gotten the idea to leap from the balcony of his room into the pool below. One commenter wrote on Reddit:

“He was freaking out in the lobby because they said he was too intoxicated to be let into the pool. If he was as wasted as he allegedly was, then he was in no position to be judging distances or sticking any landings, and way too confident in his abilities.”

The theory has been gaining traction for a couple reasons. First, there was no note, and Liam was apparently high — so it fits. And it’s sadly not that uncommon. According to the Express Tribune, many British tourists — mostly young and male — visiting Spain and Greece fall to their deaths trying to drunkenly leap from their balconies into the hotel pool. Per the outlet:

“Local authorities have even coined a term for this pattern, as balcony falls have sadly become a frequent cause of death among young men who overestimate their physical abilities when impaired by alcohol or drugs.”

So it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Of course, we’d wager there’s another reason for the popularity of the theory. It’s more comforting for a lot of people.

Let’s face it, “death by misadventure” is a more palatable way to think of a beloved pop star dying than being so tortured that they turn to self-harm. It’s not just the stigma that very much still exists surrounding mental health issues, depression, and suicide. It’s the thought of Liam’s final moments. Was he in immense pain? Or blissfully, euphorically oblivious to the danger he was in? Makes sense fans would hope for the latter, right?

We do know, either way, that Liam was likely in a “state of semi or total unconsciousness” based on the findings of the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office. So we hope that’s some comfort.

What do YOU think of the pool theory, Perezcious readers??

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, by calling, texting, or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org.

[Image via MEGA/WENN/Liam Payne/Instagram.]