LONDON — Liam Payne’s family paid tribute to the pop star following his death after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina Wednesday.
« We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul, » the Payne family said in a short statement to the London-based Press Association news agency. « We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time. »
Payne, 31, died after a hotel receptionist called 911 to report that a distressed guest who was intoxicated with drinks and drugs was « breaking the whole room. »
Payne rose to fame in 2010 as part of the five-member boy band One Direction, which was formed on the British talent show « X Factor. » The group didn’t win that season of the show, finishing in third place, but it was enough to secure a record deal with Syco Records, run by « X Factor » judge Simon Cowell.
The band became phenomenally successful: One Direction is the first band to see its first four albums debut at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. One Direction’s 2014 tour to support their « Midnight Memories » album made $290 million, the highest-grossing tour of the year.
Since the news of Payne’s death, One Direction fans have gathered at the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires to pay tribute to Payne and sing some of the group’s songs.
Rebecca Ferguson, the British singer who came second on the same season of the « X Factor, » recalled meeting him at a train station on the way to record the show in 2010
« I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead, » she wrote on X.
« If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today, » she said.
Ferguson added that « many of us are still living with the aftermath » of being young stars.
Although he didn’t mention Payne, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher said on X early Thursday: « Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x. »
Asked on X whether he had seen the news about Payne’s death, he replied: « I have it’s very sad. »
KIN Partners, Payne’ former talent agency, said in a statement: « We have not worked with Liam since about 2021, but it goes without saying that the whole KIN family were devastated to hear the sad news about his death via the news media when we woke this morning. Our hearts go out to his loved ones, particularly to his beloved son. »
