Former One Direction member Liam Payne has died unexpectedly in Argentina, with his funeral expected to take place next week, according to reports. His body will be brought back to the UK within the next 48 hours, allowing final arrangements to proceed.

Sun It is reported that Payne’s funeral service could take place at St Paul’s Cathedral in Wolverhampton, with sources indicating that his body could reach the UK as early as Wednesday, 6 November.

Payne, 31, died on October 16 after falling from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires. Following his death, his body was temporarily interred in a British cemetery in the city as authorities conducted an investigation.

An autopsy revealed that Payne suffered 25 injuries during the fatal fall. Argentine police later raided the hotel, investigating staff believed to be involved in drug activity.

It has been reported that Payne may have obtained the drugs, allegedly hidden in a soapbox, from hotel staff. Two staff members, including a cleaner, are currently under investigation, with prosecutors suggesting Payne may have been “in a state of semi- or complete unconsciousness” due to a substance-induced event at the time of the fall.

Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy recently shared an emotional tribute, revealing that the couple plan to marry next year.

Payne’s death, which occurred after falling from the balcony of his hotel in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires on October 16, has been officially attributed to multiple injuries caused by the fall. A preliminary toxicology report also revealed substances that confirmed the suspicion of drug involvement.

Liam Payne’s father traveled to Buenos Aires shortly after the incident to identify his son’s body and arrange for it to be returned to the UK.