Fans and celebrities – including the other four members of One Direction: Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson – have shared moving tributes to Liam Payne, after the singer was sadly found dead at the age of 31.
Reports say Liam fell from a third floor balcony while staying at a hotel in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. He leaves behind a 7-year-old son named Bear, who he shares with Girls Aloud's Cheryl Tweedy. Cheryl has since shared a statement dedicated to Liam on Instagram.
Releasing a joint statement about Liam's death, his bandmates shared their love for him and said: "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 four musicians added, "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."
Alongside his bandmates, many others have paid tribute to Liam. Simon Cowell, the singer's ex-manager, dedicated a post to him on Instagram. "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you.
"Every tear I have shed is a memory of you. This is so difficult to put in words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me.
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"What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."
Paris Hilton posted on X: "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."
Charlie Puth, who collaborated with Liam on the song Bedroom Floor, posted a photo of the pair together on Instagram without a caption, and updated his Story with this words: "I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he's gone... I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace."
Music producer, Zedd, who also worked with Liam, shared two tweets in light of his passing, the first saying, "RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking" with a follow-up adding, "Life is short and fragile… You never know what people are going through. We live in times where being rude, divisive and mean is normal; sometimes even celebrated. It doesn't have to be this way. We should do our best to be kind, supportive and mindful."
Member of boyband The Wanted, Max George, reflected on the support Liam had offered him over the years: "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."
Jonas Blue, a DJ and songwriter, shared a photo of himself with Liam, writing on X, "Beyond sad to hear this news. Rest well my friend @LiamPayne."
Singer Mabel shared a tribute on her Instagram Story, detailing how she would previously call on Liam for "big brotherly advice".
"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," the Mad Love star wrote.
Rapper Ty Dolla $ign wrote on his Instagram Story, "Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr sucio", along with posting an image of Liam looking happy and relaxed.
Dermot O'Leary, who met Liam during their shared time on The X Factor, spoke fondly of him on This Morning, describing the singer as an old soul with a passion for music.
"He was always both wise and a young soul at exactly the same time," the presenter said. "He had these old bones about him, his musical taste and so forth and yet he was always beautifully wide-eyed about the world and his place in it and fame. It's such a huge amount of pressure to be put on young shoulders."
Rita Ora said of Liam: "I'm devastated 💔 He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P 🕊️."
Our thoughts are with Liam's loved ones at this time.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
