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.”
One DirectionKevin Mazur/Getty Images
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.”
Louis Tomlinson also shared a heartfelt note to 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.
