Liam Payne’s ex-fiancée wrote about a dangerous balcony scene in a novel released months before his death.
The former One Direction hitmaker fell from a balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday (October 16). It is thought Liam fell from around 13 or 14 metres, sustaining "very serious injuries incompatible with life" in the process.
Prior to his death, the singer's fiancée, Maya Henry, penned the book Looking Forward, stating it was 'inspired by true events'. The novel follows the tumultuous relationship between model Mallory Hunt and former boyband member Oliver Smith, who was in a group called 5Forward.
In one passage, Mallory goes to visit Oliver, who has taken drugs and is acting strangely, hitting himself and "working himself into a frenzy." She begs Oliver to stop, but "Before I can even touch him, he’s on his feet," Maya writes.
"He looks at me for a split second, then turns on his heels and races straight for — Oh no. F***. The balcony." Oliver then declares he's "gonna f***king kill myself... I want to die."
Maya writes: "I watch in horror as he sways a bit, unsteady on his feet, inching ever closer to the railing. He has to stop, I think. I have to stop him."
Molly then proceeds to fall off the balcony as she attempts to stop her partner from harming himself, but is unharmed in the process.
The couple dated on and off from 2018 until they finally split for good in 2022. On the day of Liam's death, police are understood to have been called to reports of a "man acting aggressively at the hotel who could be under the effect of drink or drugs," with staff requesting "urgent" help in a call to emergency services.
Officers said the star's hotel room had been "in complete disarray" when they arrived, with "various items broken". His family, from Wolverhampton, issued a statement in the wake of the news, saying: "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."
Taking to Instagram, Liam's girlfriend Kate Cassidy – who was in Buenos Aires with him when he died – also requested privacy in the wake of his death. She wrote: "Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private."
Liam's former bandmates – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, who were brought together on The X Factor in 2010 – issued a joint statement on Thursday night (October 17). "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," it read.
"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."
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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