Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmates say they are “absolutely devastated” over the death of their fellow band member.
In a statement signed by Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, they said: “In time, when everyone can, there will be more to say.”
The pop star, who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2010, died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina, police said.
Earlier, Payne’s family said they were “saddened” as they paid tribute to the “kind, funny and brave soul” after his death at the age of 31.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this terrible time,” they said.
Liam was one of the five members of One Direction.
The band’s statement added: “We will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother whom we loved so dearly.” She concluded: “We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam.”
Former One Direction member Harry Styles shared a photo of Liam on Instagram, saying he “lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve.”
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life.
“I will always miss him, my beautiful friend.”
His colleague Louis Tomlinson also shared a separate tribute on his Instagram account, thanking Payne for being “the good brother I’ve longed for my whole life.”
“Reminiscing about the thousands of wonderful memories we had together is a luxury I thought I would have with you for a lifetime,” he wrote.
He added that he would also support Liam’s son.
“I want you to know that if Bear needs me, I will be the uncle he needs in his life and I will tell him stories about how wonderful his father is.”
Zayn Malik, who left the band in 2015, also shared a tribute on Instagram alongside a smaller photo of him and Payne sleeping in the car: “I lost a brother when you left us and I can’t explain what I have to offer you.” To hug you one last time.”
Payne, who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2010, died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo, Buenos Aires, police said.
Police searched the area where he fell and found items including alcohol and a phone.
Medicine was also found in his room.
Police said in a statement that Payne’s body was discovered when emergency crews were called to the hotel, and that “everything indicates that the musician was alone when the fall occurred.”
They added that they believe Payne died at the scene and there were no injuries to suggest a third party was involved.
Following his death at around 17:00 (21:00 GMT) on Wednesday, the stars expressed their distress and posted memories of the father who shared son Bear with his former Girls Aloud star Cheryl.
Former bandmate Harry’s mother, Anne Twist, paid tribute by posting a sad emoji on Instagram, captioning it: “Just a boy.”
Singer Rita Ora, who collaborated on a song with Payne in 2018, said she was “shocked” in a post on Instagram, adding that she “loved working with him very much.”
Police in Buenos Aires said on Thursday that a preliminary autopsy indicated that the One Direction star died from external and internal bleeding injuries.
They said the area where Payne fell was searched and items including alcohol and a phone were discovered. The medicine was found in his room.
Olly Murs, who starred in The X Factor a year before One Direction, also shared his condolences on Instagram, saying he was “lost for words” and described Payne’s death as “devastating”.
They “always laughed” when they met, Morse said, and mostly talked about “how good his messy hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF.” [X Factor] The days and the ride we shared together.
“Liam shared the same feelings, the same dreams, so to now see his life ending when he’s so young is very difficult. I’m really disappointed and devastated for his family and of course his son Bear losing his father.”
Dermot O’Leary, who hosted the X Factor when Liam appeared, posted a photo of the pair on stage, captioning the Instagram post: “Worst news.”
“I remember him as a 14-year-old when he went to audition for The X Factor and wowed us with his Sinatra singing. He just loved to sing,” he wrote.
“He was always cheerful, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
American singer Charlie Puth, a co-writer of Payne’s 2017 song “Bedroom Floor”, said he was in “shock” after Payne’s death.
Charlie posted photos of the pair working out together, alongside the caption: “Liam was always so nice to me.”
The Most Wanted star Max George described his death as “absolutely devastating news”.
“Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and spending some valuable time with him,” he said on Instagram.
“Liam was absolutely fantastic in terms of support when he was Tom [Parker] She fell ill while performing at the Royal Albert Hall with us in Stand Up to Cancer.
“He supported me so much personally after Tom died. I’ll never forget that.”
“He was one of the first big artists I worked with. I can’t believe he’s gone… I’m so upset now, may God have mercy on him.”
The X Factor said they were “saddened” by his death and were thinking of Payne’s loved ones and everyone who loved him.
“He was incredibly talented, and as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.”
On X, Rylan Clarke, who was also a contestant on the
West Bromwich Albion Football Club has expressed its “sadness” over the death of “Baggies fan” Payne, and has sent its condolences to his loved ones.
McFly sent his love to Payne’s friends and family, saying they were “shocked and deeply saddened to wake up to the news” of his death.
Oasis’ Liam Gallagher wrote on X: “Life is precious kids and you can only do it once you make it easy.”
DJ and music producer Zedd, who appeared alongside Payne on 2017’s Get Low, described the singer’s death as “absolutely heartbreaking”.
“Words cannot express the feelings we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat,” boyband Backstreet Boys said.
American singer and rapper Ty Dolla Sign said he will “miss” Payne, commenting on the videos and photos on his Instagram story, saying: “Just talked to you two days ago buddy.”
“Freelance entrepreneur. Communicator. Gamer. Explorer. Pop culture practitioner.”
More Stories
The Gen Z pop star launched Harris’ campaign. Puerto Rican musicians might just get it over the finish line
Menendez resents suspicion as prosecutor seeks clemency from Newsom
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo look forward to the Oscars