Harry Styles has honored the memory of Liam Payne, his former bandmate from One Direction, following Payne’s untimely passing at 31.
On October 16, Payne’s life came to a tragic end after he reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Alberto Crescenti, the Argentine Director of Emergency Medical Services, shared with Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel: “At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel.
“At 17.11 a SAME team arrived and verified the death of this man and later we found out that he was a singer in a musical group.
“Unfortunately, he had injuries that were incompatible with life, as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death, there was no possibility of resuscitation.”
Payne gained fame as part of the British boy band One Direction, where he performed alongside Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.
The band was formed in 2010 during The X Factor, a reality competition series, and became a global sensation, achieving massive success before going on hiatus in 2016.
Following a collective announcement on One Direction’s Instagram page, Styles offered his personal tribute on social media.
He shared a stage photo of Payne and expressed his grief, “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,” Styles concluded his heartfelt message, extending sympathy to Payne’s family.
Numerous musicians and celebrities have also taken to social media to express their sorrow over Payne’s passing.
DJ Zedd, who collaborated with Payne on the track ‘Get Low’, shared his condolences: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.”
Charlie Puth expressed on his Instagram Story: “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 is gone…”
He added, “I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”