News that the former One Direction singer Liam Payne has died after falling from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires has shocked people around the world. Having risen to fame at the age of 16 when he formed one fifth of the global pop sensation One Direction on The X Factor, Liam lived a life under the spotlight.
The group split in 2016 and Liam went on to launch his solo career. In the years that followed, he enjoyed moments of huge success against a backdrop of ongoing addiction issues and often erratic behaviour on social media, prompting concern from fans and loved ones.
In 2017, he welcomed a son with his then-girlfriend Cheryl. He is survived by his son, his parents, his two older sisters and his girlfriend at the time of his death, Kate Cassidy. As well as his former One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.
In his 31 years, Liam certainly made his mark, and a series of tributes from friends, family and fans have poured in from around the world. The team from behind the ITV show The X Factor that launched Liam's career wrote, 'We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. 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. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.'
Dermot O'Leary, who used to host the singing competition, posted a photo with Liam on Instagram alongside the caption, 'The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
'He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx'
Former X Factor star Olly Murs echoed his sentiments. He posted a photo of him and Liam on Instagram and wrote, 'This news is devastating, am lost for words we always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together. Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam.'
Liam's former SAS: Who Dares Wins co-star Ant Middleton posted, 'That was some sunset you captured there mate,' alongside a picture from their time in Namibia together. 'A talented positive man with a good heart. I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine (sic) in. Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely...'
Meanwhile, fellow X Factor alum Jedward wrote on X: 'Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction Family RIP @LiamPayne.' Pop band McFly posted, 'We’re shocked and extremely sad to wake up to the news of Liam Payne’s death. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at such a difficult time.'
'I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Liam Payne,' posted Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood on X. 'It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed.'
A spokesperson from the 'Strip That Down' singer's former school, St Peter's Collegiate Academy in the Compton area of Wolverhampton, where he studied for his GCSEs, has also expressed their grief. 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former student, Liam Payne,' the school told the BBC.
'During his time at St Peter's Collegiate Academy, Liam was not only well-liked by his peers and teachers but also recognised for his talents. He made a positive impact on our school community, and his contributions will be remembered.'
It's also worth noting that Liam amassed millions of fans during his career. Following the news of his death, Argentinian fans gathered to pay their respects at a vigil for Liam and were heard singing One Direction songs. One fan told the BBC, 'I had the hope that they would get together again someday, and now I feel really heartbroken about this situation because they will never again be able to join together.'
Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, a co-writer on Payne's 2017 song 'Bedroom Floor', posted a series of pictures on Instagram in Liam's memory. 'I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me,' Puth said. 'He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone.... I'm so upset right now, may he rest in peace' while another clip read, 'I am so sorry.'
Harry Styles' mother, Anne Twist, also joined the masses to share her grief, posting a broken heart emoji over a black screen with the caption 'Just a boy…'
Niall Horan's older brother Greg wrote on Instagram: 'To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement a weird feeling this morning and all night 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 Niall's life as a brother you will be forever missed Liam.
'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.'
Boyzone singer Mikey Graham expressed his sympathy for Payne's passing and said the tragedy should start a serious conversation about the perils of child stardom. 'Rip Liam Payne. Such tragic news,' Graham said. 'I think it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists on their books from now on in his memory as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talent.
'Fame can be very damaging especially in today's world. Lots of money. Nobody to help. Lots of yes people. Nobody honest.'
Laura Whitmore shared a photo of herself with Liam at the BRIT Awards and wrote: 'The one direction lads first came into MTV when they stole the hearts of the nation on XFactor. All talented in their own right, all optimistic and excited about what was ahead. Bumped into Liam over the years many times on different shows and out and about and he was always so lovely and giving of his time.
'This particular Brits always sticks with me, he was there with Louis and he was beaming as I could see he was very loved up with someone backstage. Was genuinely so nice to see that excitement. Sometimes we forget people in the public eye are real people with real feelings. He was a Popstar but more importantly someone's son, father - loved by so many who are left heartbroken. My thoughts with his loved ones. I can't believe it, but also I can. Which is devastating.'
Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter Zoe Ball played Liam's songs to start her show the day after he died and told listeners: 'We're thinking of his family, of course he was dad to little Bear. I really am holding his family in my heart, my boy is staying with me and I really gave him a huge cuddle this morning.'
'Also I'm thinking about the rest of the band this morning, they grew up together so that's going to be really tough'.
Radio DJ Scott Mills also posted on Instagram writing, 'This is a really hard one to take in. Never in a million years would I think we would have to see goodbye to you so soon Liam. We had so much fun back then, and I feel so incredibly sad. Sending my love and strength to his family, his friends, and especially his son.'
Radio 1 Breakfast presenter Greg James paid tribute to Liam on his show, saying: 'Well that is some unbearably sad news to wake up to and we'll all be dealing with it, you'll be dealing with it, and we'll be led by you as we always are on live radio shows.
'When the day throws something unexpected at us you've got to stick together, so that's what we'll do all morning. I don't remember Radio 1 without One Direction and I've been here ages. 2010 was the moment when really social media was just kicking off and they were basically the first big social media band. You'll have made so many friends through this band and that will feel strange today. It might also be the first time someone you've idolised has died and that's a really strange thing to get your head around. So go easy on yourself today because it's a shock, it's destabilising.'
Footballer Jack Grealish wrote, 'This is so sad man! So so sad! RIP Liam Payne. Have to start being nicer to each other in this world man.' And ITV star Amanda Holden said, 'Such an awful tragedy. Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.'
Meanwhile, Singer Paloma Faith posted, 'I was lucky to have met you and what mostly struck me was how kind and down to earth you were. I'm sending all my love to your family, friends and child in the knowledge that this was too soon and you had only really just started life …. What a tragedy RIP.'
Robbie Williams' wife and former X Factor judge Ayda Field wrote: 'I am in complete shock and disbelief today to learn that Liam Payne has passed away. Heartbroken. I first met Liam when he was just 17 years old and Rob mentored One Direction on X Factor. Liam was kind, enthusiastic, and very talented. With a big and bright future ahead of him. I can't quite believe that young boy is gone. Far too soon. Far too young. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his One Direction brothers. RIP, Liam.'
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across pop culture, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things TV for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow shows with equal respect).