The surviving members of One Direction have spoken out after the tragic death of their former bandmate Liam Payne.
The singer died at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday (October 16). As per The Guardian, the Argentinian prosecutor’s office revealed that Payne’s cause of death was due to multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding – his head injuries were serious enough to cause death.
Now, Payne’s former One Direction bandmates – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik – have shared a statement following his sudden death.
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“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,” began their statement.
It continued: “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.”
The Wolverhampton-born Payne rose to prominence after auditioning for The X Factor in 2008 at the age of 14, where he performed a cover of Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me To The Moon’. He would later be grouped with Styles, Malik, Horan and Tomlinson to form the chart-topping One Direction.
One Direction would go on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, releasing the albums ‘Up All Night’ in 2011, ‘Take Me Home’ in 2012, ‘Midnight Memories’ in 2013, ‘Four’ in 2014 and ‘Made in the A.M.’ in 2015.
‘Made in the A.M.’ was released as a four-piece following the departure of Malik. After releasing ‘Made in the A.M.’, One Direction went on hiatus with each member launching solo careers.
Tomlinson took to his official Instagram account to pay his own tribute to his late bandmate. He shared a photo of themselves on stage while performing and wrote: “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,” he continued, adding: “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,” Tomlison 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.”
He also took the time to share a message to Payne specifically. “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,” he wrote.
He continued: “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.”
Malik also took the time to share an emotional tribute to Payne on his official Instagram page. The ‘Pillowtalk’ singer shared an old photo of the two in a car cuddled together sleeping. “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there are so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” he began.
He continued: “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 that you were my friend and that I loved.”
Malik continued: “Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f— 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, l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional,” he added.
“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,” he continued, adding: “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.”
The singer concluded: “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.”
According to Reuters and GMA News, Buenos Aires newspaper La Nacion was the first to break the news of Payne’s death, before CNN then confirmed it via a statement from from local authorities.
Payne’s family have also issued a statement, saying: “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.”
The X Factor, on which One Direction first formed, also shared a message on social media, writing, “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.”
Katie Waissel, who competed alongside One Direction, recently paid tribute to Payne and called for more “care and support for young artists”.
Rebecca Ferguson, who finished in second place on the same season of the show, paid tribute to Payne while also speaking out against the “exploitation and profiteering of young stars.”
Liam Gallagher also commented on Payne’s passing, tweeting: “life is precious”, before confirming he had heard the news of the singer’s untimely death: “I have it’s very sad.”