Liam Payne’s Fight for Life: The Health Crisis That Shaped His Childhood
One Direction singer and songwriter Liam Payne faced the health fight of his life as a child. The 31-year-old, who was pronounced dead after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Oct. 16, 2024, opened up about a dark period in his childhood where he endured one medical crisis after another.
Liam Payne fought for his life until age 4
In One Direction’s 2011 book, Dare to Dream: Life as One Direction, Liam Payne reflected on his childhood. In the book, he spoke of a health crisis that he endured from birth through age 4.
Payne was born on Aug. 23, 1993. However, his birth was premature by three weeks.
He wrote, “When I was born, I was effectively dead. Weird I know.”
“The doctors couldn’t get any reaction from me so I had to be brought ’round and although it seemed like I was okay, there were underlying problems. I was born three weeks early and I kept being ill,” he continued.
“From the age of zero to four I was always in hospital having tests done but they couldn’t find out what was wrong. They discovered that one of my kidneys wasn’t working properly and it had scarred. I had to have 32 injections in my arm in the morning and evening to try and make me better.”
Payne concluded at the time, “I’ve still got both kidneys but one doesn’t work so I have to be careful not to drink too much, even water, and I have to keep myself as healthy as possible.”
Liam Payne canceled his final tour over health problems
Liam Payne canceled his 2023 tour after doctors found he had a kidney infection. This health problem was amplified as Payne only had one working kidney. He apologized to fans who had bought tickets and said he hoped to reschedule the live dates.
Per the BBC, Payne posted to Instagram, which has since been deleted. “It’s with a heavy heart I have to tell you that we have no other choice but to postpone my upcoming tour of South America.”
“Over the past week, I’ve been in hospital with a serious kidney infection, it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, and the doctor’s orders are that I now need to rest and recover. I was beyond excited to come play for you guys. To all of you who have bought tickets: I’m so sorry.”
At the time, Payne said he was hoping to reschedule the tour. Those who purchased tickets were refunded.
However, he soon returned to the spotlight. Payne began 2024 with the release of a powerful new song.
Liam released his final song in early 2024
In early 2024, Liam Payne released what would be his final song. The former One Direction singer dropped “Teardrops” in March.
Payne wrote via Instagram, “This song is born from many tears, not all mine. I hope you love it like I do and not too many of you can relate.”
“Teardrops” was co-written by ‘NSync alum JC Chasez, Payne, and Payne’s frequent collaborator Jamie Scott. The track marked Payne’s first new single in three years and it debuted five years after his debut solo album LP1.
Liam Payne is survived by his son from a relationship with Cheryl Cole, his parents, and two older sisters. Further investigation into his death is pending.
