Liam Payne's friend lost for words after discovering star's death moments before live TV interview

One of Liam Payne's closest friends was mid-way through filming when he learned about the star's tragic death.

It was confirmed yesterday that the star, 31, fell to his death from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos . Reports say a preliminary autopsy shows the was caused by 'multiple trauma' and attributed to 'internal and external bleeding'.

The shock incident follows staff at the luxury accommodation expressing fears for the star's wellbeing after seeing him 'acting erratically'. Police were later called due to a man, who could have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs, behaving aggressively. Local news outlets have since released photos of what is believed to be Liam's deluxe hotel room, where traces of a white powder and burnt foil can be seen, as well as a smashed TV.

Ant Middleton, who featured alongside Liam in the 2019 documentary Straight Talking, appeared on Australia's Channel 7 morning show to pay tribute to his friend just moments after finding out about the tragedy. "I speak to Liam quite often, he's a good friend of mine. And, wow, I'm shocked. This is obviously the first I'm hearing of it," the 44-year-old said on air.

"I don't really know what to say about that. I'm going to have to make sure that I reach out to the relevant people to find out what's happened to my good friend. But I'm away filming at the moment as you can see, that's why I'm wet and there's a bit of noise around me. But yeah, my condolences and I hope they find out what's gone on."

He went on to describe Liam as a 'younger brother' and said the celeb would often 'confide' in him. "There were some issues there, but nothing that a young celebrity at his caliber wouldn't suffer from," he added. "So I'm just shocked at the moment really, wow. Yeah. [I] don't really know what to say."

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Ant, an author and podcaster, later posted a series of pictures of him and Liam on his , including screen grabs from the pair's documentary. "That was some sunset you captured there mate!" he captioned the post.

"A talented positive man with a good heart. I'm glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine in. Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely… My sincere condolences to iam Payne's family during these unimaginable times."

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