The former members of One Direction have come together to release a heartfelt joint statement following the devastating death of Liam Payne, who passed away at the age of 31. The group, which took the world by storm after being formed on The X Factor in 2010, was composed of Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. Together, they achieved unparalleled success, becoming one of the highest-selling boy bands of all time. Their hit songs, tours, and albums captured the hearts of millions of fans across the globe. However, in 2015, Zayn Malik made the decision to leave the group, and the remaining members continued for a short time before announcing an “indefinite hiatus” in 2016, focusing on their solo careers.
The sudden passing of Payne, who was discovered dead in a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, has sent shockwaves through the music world and beyond. Initial reports indicated that Payne had fallen from the third story of his hotel room. This tragic detail was later confirmed by Pablo Policicchio, spokesperson for the security ministry of Buenos Aires. Policicchio explained that law enforcement had been dispatched to the hotel following reports of a disturbance involving an aggressive individual, with suspicions that the person may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
One Direction’s former members have since issued a statement addressing the heartbreaking loss of their bandmate. In their tribute, they wrote: “We are utterly devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, when we are ready, there will be more to say. But for now, we need time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved deeply. The memories we shared with him will forever be cherished. For now, our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the fans who loved him just as much as we did. We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam.”
The statement was signed by all four of the remaining members of One Direction—Styles, Tomlinson, Horan, and Malik—marking a rare moment of unity as they mourn the loss of their friend and brother.
Fans of the band, who have followed them through the years, have been left in shock, with many gathering outside the hotel in Buenos Aires to pay their respects. Social media platforms have also been flooded with tributes, as fans and celebrities alike remember the singer’s life and legacy. Payne’s influence on both the band and his solo career had left an indelible mark on many, and his sudden passing has led to an outpouring of grief.
Among the many public tributes, Irish duo Jedward expressed their condolences in a tweet: “Sending strength to Cheryl, Bear, and all the One Direction family. RIP @LiamPayne.” Payne leaves behind his seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with his ex-partner, singer Cheryl. Musician Charlie Puth also took to Instagram, writing: “I am in shock right now. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can’t believe he is gone.”
According to emergency officials, Payne’s death was confirmed at the scene. Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state emergency medical system in Buenos Aires, told local television channel Todo Noticias: “At 17:04, we were alerted through the 911 integrated public safety system of a person found in an internal courtyard at the hotel. By 17:11, our team had arrived and verified that this man had unfortunately sustained injuries that were incompatible with life as a result of his fall. We later learned that he was a member of a famous musical group, and tragically, we had no option but to confirm his death at the scene.”
Payne’s passing has left a deep void for those who knew and loved him, both personally and through his music. His death has not only shocked the music industry but has also left a lasting impact on fans around the world who continue to celebrate his legacy as one of the defining voices of a generation.
