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.
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. Liam's family have issued a statement following his death which reads, '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 Direction's tribute to Liam Payne
On Thursday evening his One Direction bandmates also released a moving statement paying tribute to Liam. '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.'
Harry Styles
Harry also shared a photo of Liam with his own words: 'I am truly devastated by Liam's passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
'Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
'My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.'
Zayn Malik
Zayn also shared a photo with Liam on Instagram and wrote: 'Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can't help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
'When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved. Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f*cks about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.
'When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional. I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.
'I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace. And you know how loved you are. Love you bro.'
Louis Tomlinson
Liam's fellow bandmate Louis shared a photo and statement on Instagram too. He wrote, '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.
'Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.
'And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.
'A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. 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.
'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. I wish I got 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.'
Niall Horan
Niall, who was the last member to see Liam before he died, also shared an emotional tribute to his friend. 'I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.
'All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime.
'I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking. My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother.'
Cheryl's tribute to Liam Payne
Cheryl, who is the mother of Liam's son Bear, made a plea for people to stop the 'abhorrent reports' around his death. She wrote, 'As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.
'Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.
'What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future. I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.
'Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some piece at last.'
Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy's statement
Kate, who dated Liam for two years and was with him two days before he died, wrote: 'Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real.
'I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private. Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.'
Danielle Peazer's tribute to her ex-boyfriend
Liam's ex-girlfriend Danielle Peazer, who he met on The X Factor in 2010 and dated for two years, released a statement too and revealed that she had spoken to Liam a few weeks before he died.
'Receiving a message from you a couple of weeks ago expressing your happiness for the love I found with Sonny and Mia is something I'll cherish forever. His most important role and something he was the most proud of out of all of his monumental successes was that he was a father.
'The thought that there is a now a child growing up without one of their parents is heartbreaking and unfair,' she continued. 'To Liam's son Bear, as well as his parents and sisters, my love, thoughts and strength goes to you. The magnitude of this loss is incomprehensible and I will continue to support you in any way I am able to.
'Despite being aware of your struggles over the years, I hoped and prayed that this day would never come. But now we're all facing the reality of living a life without your presence. It's common at times like this for people to say "I hope he knew how much I cared about him" but I know that you knew how I felt, it was one thing we were really good at - being brutally honest with our feelings for each other, whether the other wanted to hear it or not.'
She went on to add, 'Our relationship may have ended back in 2013, but that seemed to be just the start of our story. The things we went through and experienced from then all the way until last year could be described as unique to some and misunderstood by others, but I think deep down we always knew we'd have some sort of connection forever, no matter where our individual lives took us.
'It took a little longer for you to figure out the person you wanted to be in order to be your happiest, but whilst most of us have our teens and twenties to learn about ourselves, you spent those years giving more to the world than you ever needed to. I wish you knew that you were always more than enough for this world without having to search for a role to play just to please others.'
Peazer also thanked Payne for 'teaching me about the importance of setting boundaries, and that I should always protect my heart'.
'I'm sorry your story didn't end differently, and I'm sorry you didn't ever get to share more of your magic with the world,' she concluded. 'Rest easy my friend.'
Liam Payne tributes 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).