LONDON, UK — Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson, former members of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, have released a joint statement expressing their grief following the death of their former bandmate, Liam Payne.
Payne, 31, passed away on Wednesday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after reportedly falling from the third floor of a hotel.
“We are completely devastated,” the group said in a statement posted to One Direction’s official Instagram page on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
“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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
Payne’s death occurred at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. Local authorities confirmed on Thursday that the circumstances surrounding the fall are still under investigation.
Styles shared additional personal reflections about his former bandmate in a separate Instagram post.
“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,” Styles wrote.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.”
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Tomlinson, also posting on Instagram, described Payne as a “brother” and a pivotal figure in One Direction’s success.
“Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” Tomlinson wrote.
“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.”
Tomlinson’s post ended with a personal note directed at Payne: “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,” referencing Payne’s son, Bear Payne.
Malik, who had a more tumultuous relationship with Payne during their years as bandmates, paid tribute as well.
“When I was missing home as a 17 yr 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,” Malik wrote on Instagram.
He added, “Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.”
The group’s joint grief underscores the deep bond that persisted despite their 2016 hiatus, which followed Malik’s departure a year earlier.
One Direction was formed in 2010 during the UK talent show “The X Factor,” catapulting all five members to international stardom.
The band, known for hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life,” became one of the best-selling boy bands in history.
Fans and the wider music industry have reacted with shock and sorrow to Payne’s sudden death.
Supporters gathered outside the iconic red phone booth in Piccadilly Circus—featured on the cover of One Direction’s “Take Me Home” album—leaving flowers, notes, and tributes to the late star.
The Payne family, through a spokesperson, said they were “heartbroken” by the loss. “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.”
Payne had openly spoken about his struggles with addiction and mental health in recent years, often crediting his former bandmates with supporting him through tough times. “I’ve suffered a bit of a dark time in my life at the moment and to be honest, I wouldn’t be here without the boys,” he said during an interview last year.
Just weeks before his death, Payne was seen attending Horan’s concert in Argentina, sharing videos of himself singing and dancing along, a moment now cherished by fans.
The investigation into Payne’s death remains ongoing.
