One Direction has released a statement, saying they are “completely devastated” by the tragic passing of fellow bandmate Liam Payne.
Payne died on Thursday morning, after plunging 14 metres from a balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson issued the joint statement on Friday morning.
“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.”
Tomlinson issued his own tribute to Payne on Instagram, saying “Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul”.
“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye,” he wrote.
“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.”
Payne is survived by his seven-year-old son, Bear, who he shared with his former girlfriend, UK singer Cheryl Cole.
“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,” Tomlinson wrote. “I wish I got a 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.”
Payne’s mother and father Geoff and Karen Payne were seen leaving their Wolverhampton home “in a hurry” shortly after the news of their son’s death broke at midnight in the UK.
A reporter later spoke to a family member at the home who told The Sun: “We’re obviously devastated at the news but we don’t want to comment.”
An autopsy of Payne’s body is underway in Argentina and his family are currently travelling to Buenos Aires to bring his body back to the UK.
Liam Payne died aged 31
Local media broke the news on Thursday, saying the singer’s body was found after he fell from a third-storey balcony of the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires.
Argentinian Police confirmed the tragic news shortly after.
It is understood an incident occurred around 5pm local time (7am AEDT), with emergency services quickly surrounding the hotel.
Local media outlet La Nacion reported that officers were called to the Casa Sur hotel after a manager reported an “aggressive man” who may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
TMZ also reported that witnesses saw Payne acting erratically around the hotel in the hours before the tragic incident, claiming to have seen him smash a laptop before being moved to his hotel room.
Security Ministry of Buenos Aires municipality spokesperson Pablo Policicchio told The Associated Press Payne “had thrown himself from the balcony of his room”.
He said officers heard a thud and found Payne’s body in the hotel’s courtyard.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the State Emergency Medical System (SAME) said officers were unaware of Payne’s celebrity status at the time.
“At 17.04, through 911, the integrated public security system, we were alerted about a person who was in an internal courtyard of the Casa Sur hotel. At 17.11, a SAME team arrived and confirmed the man’s death,” he said.
“We later learned that he was a singer in a musical group.
“Unfortunately, he had injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death.
“There was no possibility of resuscitation.”
A red tent was set up at the hotel to cover the body.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
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