Key points
- Singer Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires.
- Police said he was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel.
- The 31-year-old rose to fame as part of boy band One Direction.
Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have done just that after the singer’s death.
The 31-year-old was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, police have confirmed.
In a statement, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles said they were “completely devastated” by the news.
“Over time, and when everyone is able to do so, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved dearly,” the statement said.
“The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever.
Singer Liam Payne rose to fame as a member of the British boy band One Direction. Source: Getty / Dave J.Hogan
“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.”
In a separate statement, Tomlinson said he had looked up to Payne.
He described his former bandmate as a “positive, funny and kind soul”.
“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18. I was immediately amazed by his voice, but more importantly, as time went on, I had the chance to see the kind brother I’d looked up to all my life desired,” wrote Tomlinson.
“Liam was an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody. We often talked about getting back into the studio together to try to recreate the writing chemistry we had built in the band.”
Louis Tomlinson has posted a tribute to his former bandmate Liam Payne. Source: MONKEY / Ian West/PA
Tomlinson said he believed Payne was the “most vital” part of One Direction and had formed the band.
He then addressed Payne directly.
“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life, but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye,” he wrote.
“I am so grateful that we have become even closer since bonding, talking for hours on the phone and reminiscing on the thousands of wonderful memories we had together is a luxury I thought I would have with you for life. “
Harry Styles: ‘I will always miss him’
Styles posted later saying that Payne’s “greatest joy” was making other people happy.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had a life energy that was contagious,” Styles wrote.
“He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain some of the most cherished years of my life.
“I will miss him always, my dear friend.”
In a post on social media, Malik said there were “so many conversations to have” with his friend.
He said Payne had supported him through some of the toughest times in his life and always offered a “positive outlook and reassuring smile”.
“I lost a brother when you left us and I can’t explain to you what I would give to hug you one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved you very much and you respected,” he wrote. .
“I will forever hold all the memories I have with you in my heart. There are no words that can justify or explain how I feel right now, other than how devastated I am.”
Circumstances surrounding the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne
Leading local newspapers La Nacion and Clarin quoted officials and reported that police were called to the hotel in the capital’s Palermo district in response to an emergency call referring to “an aggressive man who may be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” .
According to news reports, Payne was found in the courtyard of a hotel.
Preliminary autopsy results showed he died of internal and external bleeding and trauma.
Fans of Liam Payne have set up a memorial for the singer in Buenos Aires. Credit: EMIL NICOLAI HELMS/EPA
Earlier on Wednesday, Payne appeared to post on Snapchat about his trip to Argentina, talking about horseback riding, playing polo and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
“It’s a beautiful day here in Argentina,” he said in the video.
Argentine media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan’s concert.
Who was Liam Payne?
Born in the English city of Wolverhampton, Payne rose to worldwide fame as part of the now disbanded pop band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
The boy band started after finishing third on the British version of the X Factor music competition show in 2010.
Payne initially auditioned as a solo act, but was given a second chance to return as part of a group on Bootcamp, which would become one of the talent show’s biggest success stories.
One Direction became one of the biggest pop groups in the world with five albums, four world tours and one film, and sold more than 20 million albums.
The group disbanded in 2016 as the members pursued various projects, including a solo career.
Liam Payne, second from right, rose to fame as a member of One Direction. Source: AP / Jonathan Short
In 2017, Payne released his debut solo single Strip That Down to commercial success. It peaked at number three in the UK and number 10 in the US.
In December 2019, he released his debut solo album LP1, which included the singles Polaroid and Familiar.
The musician has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and using alcohol to cope with the pressures of fame.
Payne had a son, Bear, with former Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole in 2017.
‘A pleasure to be around’
Fans and celebrities have started paying tribute to the singer on social media.
“So upsetting to hear the news that Liam Payne has passed away,” Paris Hilton wrote on X.
“I send love and condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP my friend.”
Journalist Dan Wootton described Payne’s death as a “terrible tragedy and a waste of life”, saying the singer was a “joy to be around”.
The official X account for the BRIT Awards said: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Liam Payne.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time.”
DJ and music producer Zedd called the news “absolutely heartbreaking.”
Former X-Factor contestant Rylan said Payne’s death was “so tragic”, while singing duo Jedward sent their love to his young son Bear and family.
A statement on MTV’s official social media accounts said: “We are deeply saddened to learn today of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. During this difficult time, our thoughts remain with his family, loved ones and fans.”
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