RIP

Liam Payne was seemingly in a good place with his sobriety months before his tragic death in Buenos Aires ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the One Direction alum was very vocal about being sober in the late spring/early summer of 2024 ... telling people in his inner circle working with him that he was on the wagon.

We're told those around him saw no warning signs of either drug or alcohol abuse at the time.

Francis Ngannou will carry his son's name with him forever ... the MMA superstar just revealed a tattoo tribute to Kobe months after his death.

The new ink was spotted on Friday at Ngannou's weigh-in for his PFL Super Fight against Renan Ferreira ... which goes down this weekend in Saudi Arabia.

The two bumped heads during the event ... but after the tension between the fighters calmed down, Ngannou flexed for the camera with his arms raised, displaying the tattoo on his left bicep.

Cheryl Cole is heartbroken in the aftermath of ex Liam Payne's death ... calling the tragic update an "indescribably painful time" for herself and their son, Bear.

The British singer posted on Instagram Friday, 2 days after the One Direction alum fatally fell from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina ... confessing she is grappling with her grief after "this earth shattering event."

She called on fans to be respectful in the wake of Liam ... reminding her followers that the late pop star was more than a celebrity.

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy is speaking out for the first time following the death of the One Direction alum ... thanking fans for their support during this trying time.

The influencer posted on her Instagram Stories 2 days after the singer fell to his death from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her statement, Kate said she's "been at a complete loss" amid the tragedy, confessing the last several days have not "felt real."

She continued ... "I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private."

Simon Cowell is speaking out for the first time since former protégé Liam Payne died ... issuing a poignant statement on social media.

"The X Factor" creator posted on Instagram, revealing he is "truly devastated" following the news about the singer -- who Simon tapped to join One Direction back in 2010.

Simon wrote to Liam directly in his statement, expressing ... "Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you."

Liam Payne's heartbroken dad made his first public appearance since his son's tragic death, after making the trip from the UK to Argentina.

Geoff Payne was spotted leaving his hotel Friday morning, on his way to the Buenos Aires Judicial Office.

Geoff, wearing a navy suit, had a crowd of people around him ... no doubt there to support him during this tough time.

Niall Horan is still struggling to accept the death of his friend and former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne ... opening up about his grief in a new statement.

The Irish singer posted to Instagram Friday morning, 2 days after Liam died in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling from his hotel balcony. In the note to fans, Niall reiterated how "absolutely devastated" he's feeling after the passing of his longtime friend ... a sentiment previously expressed in One Direction's joint message Thursday.

Niall remembered Liam for his "energy for life and a passion for work," adding LP was "the brightest" in every room they were in.

More superstars from the UK are showing their love for Liam Payne online ... with both Sharon Osbourne and Robbie Williams sending out messages to the late One Direction star.

Osbourne -- who was a judge on "The X Factor," though not when One Direction formed on the show -- posted to Instagram Thursday ... saying her heart goes out to Liam, and claiming the whole industry let him down.

She says LP was just a kid when he came up in the music world ... and, she doesn't think there was enough protection for him -- asking "Who was in your corner?"

New photos from the hotel where Liam Payne died from an apparent suicide reveal why an employee told police they were concerned his room had a balcony ... one that would not be difficult to fall over.

These photos from one of the deluxe suites at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires ... show the same type of room Liam was staying in when he fell to his death from a third-floor balcony.

The balcony is enclosed with glass and a railing that seems to be no more than 4 feet high, which would make it dangerously easy for someone of Liam's height -- reportedly about 5'10" -- to go over the edge ... whether accidentally or intentionally.

Liam Payne's death is continuing to send shockwaves throughout Hollywood ... with countless celebrities taking to social media to pay tribute in the aftermath of his passing.

As you know, many A-listers posted online in the hours after news of the One Direction alum's death in Argentina broke Wednesday. As word of Liam's fatal fall spread across the globe, more and more stars are paying tribute to the late singer.

Halsey posted on her Tumblr Thursday, where she confirmed she was a devoted Directioner during 1D's heyday. She wrote ... "As a parent, a fellow artist, and a fan, i simply cannot fathom this untimely loss. my heart goes out to his family, friends, and the fans."

4:05 PM PT -- Harry Styles is also paying tribute to Liam Payne ... saying he's "truly devastated" by Liam's death.

Harry says Liam's "greatest joy was making other people happy" ... and he's remembering Liam for living "wide open, with his heart on his sleeve." Harry also says Liam "had an energy for life that was infectious" and he was "warm, supportive and incredibly loving."

HS adds his heart breaks for Liam's family ... including his son, Bear.

2:08 PM PT -- Zayn Malik has issued his own personal tribute to late One Direction member Liam Payne ... expressing his sadness in a heartbreaking Instagram upload.

Alongside a photo of himself and Liam seemingly napping during their 1D touring days, Zayn shared his regret for never thanking LP for helping him through "some of the most difficult times," including when he was homesick at 17.

As he continued, Zayn remembered Liam as being "head strong" and "opinionated," admitting they "butted heads" at times. Nonetheless, Zayn said he "secretly respected" Liam for his give "no f**ks" attitude.

Zayn signed off his note by expressing his love for Liam, who he praised as "the most qualified" musician.

Louis Tomlinson is sharing his grief following the death of former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne ... posting a poignant tribute to his social media.

In the wake of Liam's death in Argentina Wednesday, Louis posted to Instagram, where he shared he is "beyond devastated" by his peer's untimely passing.

He wrote ... "Yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul."

Liam Payne died by an apparent suicide ... local law enforcement in Argentina now says the fall from his third-floor hotel room was intentional.

A police official in Buenos Aires told The Associated Press Liam "had jumped from the balcony of his room."

According to the preliminary autopsy issued by government officials, the fall resulted in multiple injuries including “internal and external hemorrhage." The toxicology report is still pending.

Liam Payne's family is sharing their grief in the aftermath of the One Direction alum's fatal fall in Argentina.

The late singer's loved ones issued a statement Thursday, a day after Liam fell from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina and died.

In a note shared with the BBC, Liam's family said they are "heartbroken" following the news of his passing, and are taking time to remember the pop star's personality and legacy.

Rita Ora's clearly feeling the loss of Liam Payne ... getting so emotional at her show last night, she couldn't even sing -- and straight-up walked off the stage at one point.

The singer-songwriter performed in Japan just hours after news of Liam's tragic death in Argentina broke ... and, she played her hit song "For You" -- the track recorded for "Fifty Shades Freed," which features Liam.

While the song plays, Rita walks around the stage looking at the audience and waving her hands in the air. She's letting her fans drive this one -- allowing them to lead the music.

Simon Cowell is taking a brief step back from the spotlight following the tragic death of former protégé Liam Payne.

"Britain's Got Talent," the long-running competition series created by Simon, canceled its Thursday taping after the One Direction star's passing in Buenos Aires, Argentina Wednesday.

This isn't surprising given Simon's long history with Liam and his band, One Direction. Remember, Simon formed the popular boy band on "The X Factor (UK)" ... another singing competition show created by the music mogul.

Liam Payne's girlfriend left Argentina without the singer days before his death ... saying she didn't want to stay in one place too long -- and, bailed after a 5-day trip turned into 2 weeks.

Kate Cassidy -- a social media influencer based in Miami -- posted a video chronicling her journey back to the States from Buenos Aires on Monday ... 2 days before Liam fell to his death at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.

Cassidy starts the clip by saying she's leaving the country because she doesn't like sticking around in one place too long ... saying she'd originally planned to stay 5 days, but she'd stuck around for about 2 weeks -- and, she just needed to go home.