LIAM Payne’s One Direction bandmates have broken their silence with a heartfelt tribute following the star’s tragic d3ath.
Singer and dad-of-one Liam, 31, di3d after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
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Liam Payne di3d on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balconyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Liam shot to fame as part of One Direction in 2010
Liam was on holiday with girlfriend Kate Cassidy (pictured) before he di3dCredit: Rex
Liam performs at the BBC The Biggest Weekend Festival in 2018
Liam Payne with former One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson
Liam shot to fame alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik as part of One Direction after auditioning for X Factor in 2010 aged just 14.
They became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time before going their separate ways in 2016.
In a statement shared on Thursday evening the band said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. 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. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
Louis added his own separate tribute on social media, writing on Instagram: “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.
“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.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Liam was on holiday in Buenos Aires for his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s tour when he di3d after falling from his third floor hotel balcony on Wednesday afternoon.
His autopsy revealed the star suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
Emergency services confirmed he di3d instantly from multiple injuries including a fractured skull.
The former One Director member was said to be “behaving erratically” shortly before his d3ath with witnesses claiming he had to be carried back to his room.
Argentinian cops said they were called to the hotel on Wednesday after staff reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Witnesses at the hotel reported Liam smashed his laptop and he had even had to be carried back to his room.
The hotel’s head of reception made two frantic calls to emergency services and could be heard saying: “We have a guest who is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
Liam Payne’s last social posts before d3ath see One Direction star watching TV and revealing plans for his day
Later Zayn published his own statement, writing on Instagram: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-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.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
On X Factor, the band placed third, losing out to Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson, but ultimately became an international phenomenon.
Some of their most famous hits included What Makes You Beautiful, Night Changes, Best Song Ever and Perfect.
Selling over 70 million records worldwide, One Direction accumulated such a fanbase it was compared to Beatlemania.
In another clip, Liam, who was wearing a checked shirt and graffiti-covered jeans, sang in Spanish to a female fan after she asked if he’d been listening to any local music.
There was also a montage of the smiling pop star meeting and greeting supporters, some of whom broke down in tears.
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Liam with his son Bear, who he had with singer Cheryl Tweedy
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Liam’s sudden d3ath has sent shockwaves through the music industryCredit: Getty
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One Direction became an international phenomenonCredit: PA
Tributes to Liam Payne
