One Direction members bid emotional farewell to Liam Payne

The sudden passing of One Direction’s Liam Payne sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans heartbroken. Payne’s former bandmates — Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan — have also shared a joint statement expressing their shock and devastation.

Styles, Malik and Tomlinson also put up individual tributes for their deceased brother, describing their bond and recalling their time together. Malik and Tomlinson also commended his command over his craft and spoke about his contributions to the band.

On October 17, One Direction released a heartfelt joint statement on Instagram, reflecting on Payne’s impact on their lives and the void his absence leaves.

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” read the post. “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 post also honoured the unforgettable memories Payne created with them. “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.”

Louis Tomlinson on ‘losing a brother’

Tomlinson, who shared a close friendship with Payne beyond the band, penned a deeply emotional tribute on his Instagram page.

“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother,” Tomlinson began. “Liam was somebody I looked up to every day — such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16, and I was 18, and I was instantly amazed by his voice. But more importantly, I got the chance to see the kind brother I’d longed for all my life.”

He praised Payne’s musical talent, calling him “the most vital part of One Direction.” Reflecting on the memories and late-night conversations they shared, he revealed his sadness about not having the opportunity to make music with Payne again.

Tomlinson promised to be there for Payne’s seven-year-old son, Bear Grey. “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.” He ended with a tearful farewell: “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother. I love you, mate. Sleep well.”

Zayn Malik had ‘so many conversations left to have’

Malik, who famously left One Direction in 2015, shared a deeply personal tribute to Payne on Instagram. “I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me,” Malik wrote. “I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us to have.”

Malik recalled how Payne supported him through difficult moments during their early years in the band and how they ended up “butting heads” because of his straightforwardness: “Even though you were younger than me, you were always more sensible. You gave no f**** about telling people when they were wrong, and even though we butted heads, I always respected you for it.”

Payne’s musical prowess was also a point of admiration for Malik. “When it came to music, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison,” he confessed. “I was always happy knowing we could rely on you to steer the ship next.”

Malik concluded on a gut-wrenching note: “I lost a brother when you left us, and I can’t explain what I’d give just to hug you one last time. I hope that wherever you are, you are at peace and know how loved you are.”

‘Liam lived with his heart on his sleeve’ says Harry Styles

Styles shared his devastation over Payne’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. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.”

He reflected on their time together as some of the most cherished years of his life, expressing sorrow for Payne’s family. “My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola, Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”

Payne’s family releases statement

Payne’s family also issued a statement about his death. “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” the family said in an October 17 statement shared via a spokeswoman to the PA news agency.

“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time,” the statement read.

Payne’s preliminary autopsy report released

Payne died at 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His death is still under investigation. Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, told the Associated Press that Payne had “jumped from the balcony of his room.”

His preliminary autopsy report has been shared by the prosecutor’s office in Argentina, revealing that the 31-year-old died from internal and external traumas from the fall.

The initial report concludes that the former One Direction star appeared to be alone and under the influence of substances when he fell at 5:07pm Wednesday. The findings align with a frantic 911 call placed by staff shortly before Payne’s death at the hotel.

There were no signs of defensive wounds on his hands, and considering the position of his body, he may have been partially or fully unconscious at the time of his fall. They also found no signs of third-party intervention.