The members of One Direction have expressed their grief in a joint statement following the unexpected death of their fellow band member, Liam Payne.
Payne, aged 31, was discovered deceased after a fall from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16.
Alberto Crescenti, director of emergency medical services, confirmed the tragic news on Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel, stating, “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.”
Crescenti added, “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 a member of the British boy band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.
The group was formed on the reality show The X Factor in 2010 and went on to achieve massive success, becoming one of the top-selling boybands globally.
To date, they have sold over 70 million records worldwide.
One Direction began an indefinite hiatus in January 2016, with each member, including Payne, pursuing solo careers.
Following the news of Payne’s sudden passing, his bandmates Styles, Malik, Horan, and Tomlinson issued a joint statement.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” they wrote in a statement shared on One Direction’s Instagram. “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.”
Numerous music stars and celebrities have also shared their condolences for Payne on social media.
DJ Zedd, who collaborated with Payne on the track ‘Get Low’, expressed his sorrow, writing: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.”
Charlie Puth took to his Instagram Story to express his shock, saying, “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 continued, “I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Rapper Juicy J also shared his condolences, writing: “R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family.”