LIAM Payne’s One Direction bandmates have broken their silence with a heartfelt tribute following the star’s tragic death.
Singer and dad-of-one Liam, 31, died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
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Liam Payne died on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balconyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Liam shot to fame as part of One Direction in 2010
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Liam was on holiday with girlfriend Kate Cassidy (pictured) before he diedCredit: Rex
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Liam performs at the BBC The Biggest Weekend Festival in 2018
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Liam Payne with former One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson
Liam shot to fame alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik as part of One Direction after auditioning for X Factor in 2010 aged just 14.
They became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time before going their separate ways in 2016.
In a statement shared on Thursday evening the band said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
It comes as…
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. 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. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
Louis added his own separate tribute on social media, writing on Instagram: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Liam was on holiday in Buenos Aires for his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s tour when he died after falling from his third floor hotel balcony on Wednesday afternoon.
His autopsy revealed the star suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
Emergency services confirmed he died instantly from multiple injuries including a fractured skull.
The former One Director member was said to be “behaving erratically” shortly before his death with witnesses claiming he had to be carried back to his room.
Argentinian cops said they were called to the hotel on Wednesday after staff reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Witnesses at the hotel reported Liam smashed his laptop and he had even had to be carried back to his room.
The hotel’s head of reception made two frantic calls to emergency services and could be heard saying: “We have a guest who is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
Liam Payne’s last social posts before death see One Direction star watching TV and revealing plans for his day
Later Zayn published his own statement, writing on Instagram: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
On X Factor, the band placed third, losing out to Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson, but ultimately became an international phenomenon.
Some of their most famous hits included What Makes You Beautiful, Night Changes, Best Song Ever and Perfect.
Selling over 70 million records worldwide, One Direction accumulated such a fanbase it was compared to Beatlemania.
During their career they earned seven Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards and six Billboard awards..
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Zayn Malik shared this picture of him with Liam alongside a heartfelt tribute
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One Direction statements in full
We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. 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. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
The band went on hiatus in 2016, a year after Zayn Malik left the group, to pursue their own solo careers.
Liam’s solo album LP1 was released in 2019, and included tracks Strip That Down with Quavo, Get Low with Zedd and For You with Rita Ora.
He had been in South American city Argentina with girlfriend Kate Cassidy for two weeks to see his former 1D band member Niall Horan on tour.
Kate recently decided to return home to the States while Liam stayed on.
Having spent time at a friend’s house, the singer-songwriter decided to stay at the Hotel Casa Sur in the neighbourhood of Palermo, which is where he died.
In Snapchat posts shared shortly before his death, but seemingly filmed days earlier, he spoke about about riding horses, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
“It’s a lovely day here in Argentina,” he declared in one.
But at some point, things took a tragic turn and the hotel’s reception manager frantically called cops telling them that Liam was under the influence of drink and drugs and had trashed his room.
They begged police to come quickly amid fears Liam’s life was at risk due to his third floor room having a balcony.
Reports described Liam’s behaviour as ‘erratic’ in the hours before his death and it is claimed he needed to be carried to his room.
Pictures from his room appeared to show a messy table littered with white powdered and burnt aluminium foil.
The singer was pronounced dead at the scene and suffered a fractured skull as well as internal and external bleeding.
A toxicology report has yet to be made public.
FAN FAVOURITE
Devastating videos showed Liam Payne comparing tattoos and talking with fans outside his hotel just days before his death.
Liam took time to make his fans’ dreams come true earlier in the week, posing for pictures, signing autographs and listening to their stories.
One fan credited Liam with “saving my life” and grew emotional meeting his hero.
It prompted Liam to give the man a hug, before they compared the matching arrow tattoos on their arms.
In another clip, Liam, who was wearing a checked shirt and graffiti-covered jeans, sang in Spanish to a female fan after she asked if he’d been listening to any local music.
There was also a montage of the smiling pop star meeting and greeting supporters, some of whom broke down in tears.
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Liam with his son Bear, who he had with singer Cheryl Tweedy
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Liam’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the music industryCredit: Getty
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One Direction became an international phenomenonCredit: PA
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
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