The entire One Direction family and community is mourning Liam Payne after his tragic death.
Us Weekly confirmed that Payne died at age 31 on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His cause of death was later revealed to be “serious injuries” that were untreatable by the time first responders arrived, according to Buenos Aires emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti.
Payne rose to fame alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson in the boy band One Direction, which was formed on the U.K. version of The X Factor in 2010. The group released four studio albums before Malik left the band in 2015. The remaining four members released one more record before disbanding in 2016.
Following news of Payne’s death, social media flooded with tributes from fans and celebrities alike. “We are absolutely devastated by the tragic news of Liam Payne’s passing,” One Direction’s former management company, Modest! Management, wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of Payne via X.
“Liam was a huge part of the historic success of One Direction and brought so much pleasure to millions of fans around the globe,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts go out to all his family, his son Bear and all friends.” (Payne shared his only child, son Bear, with ex Cheryl Cole.)
Scroll down to see which family members of One Direction have spoken out about Payne’s death:
Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Harry Styles. Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic
Liam’s Family
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Payne’s loved ones shared in a statement, per the BBC. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Anne Twist
Styles’ mother shared a picture of a red broken heart emoji via Instagram, which she captioned, “Just a boy …💔.”
Liam Payne navigated a series of ups and downs throughout his career in the spotlight ahead of his tragic death at 31. Payne rose to fame as a member of British boy band One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. The group was put together and mentored by Simon Cowell […]
Greg Horan
“To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement a weird feeling this morning and all night,” Niall’s older brother wrote via Instagram. “You were a top young boy to a man a son a brother you are only one of 4 lads I was happy enough to take my place in nialls life as a brother.”
Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction. Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Noting that Payne will “be forever missed,” Greg continued: “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 the all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Harry Styles of One Direction. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Rays of Sunshine
Doniya Malik
Doniya, one of Zayn’s three sisters, wrote that she was “Heart broken” via her Instagram Story alongside a news report of Payne’s death. She also shared a video clip of Payne stating he was “so proud” of Zayn, as well as photos of them and their One Direction bandmates. (Doniya is the eldest of parents Trisha and Yaser Malik’s four children, including daughters Waliyha and Safaa.)
Waliyha Malik
“Literally heart broken 💔 RIP. I have no words😭🙁💔,” Malik’s sister wrote via her Instagram Story. In addition to sharing photos of Zayn and Liam from over the years, Waliyha also reposted tributes from Niall’s brother, Greg, and Olly Murs.
