Celebrities and fans have shared tributes for Liam Payne, who has died at the age of 31, police confirm. The former One Direction member reportedly fell from a third floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fans have been gathering outside the hotel to mourn the singer, lighting candles and singing One Direction songs.
Late morning on 17th October, Payne's family broke their silence, telling MailOnline from their family home in Wolverhampton: “We are utterly devastated by the news.”
A later statement ready: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Payne's former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have released a statement via the band's Instagram. It reads:
"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.”
Instagram content
Louis Tomlinson also shared a heartfelt note on his Instagram. Here it is in full:
"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.
"I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.
"Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.
"And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. 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.
A message to you Liam if you’re listening,
"I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.
"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 chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.
"Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X
Instagram content
Zayn Malik released the following statement:
"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 yr 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.
"Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no fucks about telling people when they were wrong.
"Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.
"When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional. I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.
"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 and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.
"I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.
“Love you bro.”
Instagram content
Harry Styles released the following statement:
"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.”
Instagram content
Niall Horan released the following statement:
"I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real.
"Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.
"All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime.
"I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking.
"My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear.
"Thank you for everything, Payno.
"Love you brother.
“Nialler.”
Instagram content
The X-Factor, where One Direction was formed, said they are “heartbroken” by his death, adding: “He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world."
X content
Greg Horan, Niall's brother, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: “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.”
Instagram content
Waliyha Malik, Zayn's sister, shared a picture of her with Payne on X, writing: “I can’t believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment... I really can’t believe it.”
X content
Singer Mabel shared a statement on her Instagram stories, writing, "Liam, for so many years I knew I could call you for support and big brotherly advice but now you're gone... My thoughts and prayers are with Liam's family and friends during this time. You'll be so missed.”
Dermot O'Leary, who was the host of The X Factor when Payne and his fellow One Direction members were first discovered, penned an emotional statement. "The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra," he wrote. "He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx."
Ant Middleton wrote a statement referring to his “brotherhood” with Payne. “After we filmed Straight Talking With Ant Middleton, he was my first celebrity guest and we formed a brotherhood. He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, I’d go around and see him,” Middleton wrote.
X content
Paris Hilton offered her condolences on X, writing, "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."
Singer Max George of the band The Wanted wrote, "Devastated. Liam was unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time. Rest in peace."
The band McFly shared a joint statement on X: “We’re shocked and extremely sad to wake up to the news of Liam Payne’s death. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at such a difficult time.”
X content
She spoke about her late friend for the first time.
Boy band, The Backstreet Boys also shared their condolences on X, writing, “Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat. Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.”
Broadcaster Zoe Ball wrote, “Devastating news, dear Liam Payne. Thoughts & love to his family, friends and fans.”
Television network MTV shared a statement, which read, “We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans.”
Liam Gallagher, frontman of Oasis, shared a brief statement on X: “Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x”
Singer Charlie Puth posted a photo that showed him standing with Payne and left his caption blank.
Instagram content
DJ Marvin Humes shared a statement recalling his first meeting with Payne in 2008 when he was auditioning for The X Factor. “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," he wrote.
Anne Twist, Harry Styles's mother, shared a simple, heartbreaking message, writing, “Just a boy…”
Payne's former partner Cheryl Tweedy, with whom he shared a son, 7-year-old Bear, has yet to speak out.
Our thoughts are with Liam Payne's friends and family at this time.
