United States: The family of Liam Payne expressed their profound grief following the tragic loss of the pop sensation, who met his untimely demise after plummeting from a hotel balcony in Argentina on Wednesday.
“We are shattered. Liam’s spirit will endure in our hearts, and we will always cherish his warmth, wit, and indomitable courage,” the Payne family conveyed in a succinct statement to the London-based Press Association. “We are leaning on one another in this harrowing moment. Please request privacy and respect during this devastating period.”
Payne, aged 31, passed away after a hotel receptionist alerted emergency services, reporting that an agitated guest—visibly under the influence of both alcohol and narcotics—was causing significant destruction within his room, according to the reports by NBC News.
Liam Payne first garnered widespread recognition in 2010 as a member of the now-legendary boy band One Direction, assembled on the British talent competition “X Factor.” Although the group did not claim the top prize, securing only third place, their journey was far from over, earning a contract with Syco Records, helmed by “X Factor” judge Simon Cowell.
The meteoric success of the band was nothing short of extraordinary. One Direction achieved a rare feat, with their first four albums debuting at the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard 200. Their 2014 world tour, promoting the “Midnight Memories” album, raked in a staggering $290 million, standing as the highest-grossing tour of that year.
In the wake of Payne’s passing, devoted One Direction fans have gathered at the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, assembling to honor his memory by singing some of the group’s timeless songs.
British singer Rebecca Ferguson, who placed second in the same season as “X Factor,” reflected on her initial encounter with Payne at a train station in 2010 while en route to record the show.
“I can’t stop thinking about that young, eager boy who had such a bright future ahead of him,” Ferguson shared on X, as per NBC News.
“If he hadn’t boarded that train and taken that taxi, I believe he might still be here with us today,” she lamented.
Ferguson also alluded to the enduring struggles faced by many young stars, noting that “some of us are still living with the consequences.”
Though he did not directly reference Payne, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher tweeted a reflective message early Thursday, stating, “Life is fragile, kids, and you only get one shot—take care of it,” as per NBC News.
When asked on X if he had seen the news of Payne’s death, Gallagher responded: “Yes, I have, and it’s deeply saddening.”
KIN Partners, the talent agency that previously represented Payne, shared their sorrow in a statement: “Although we ceased working with Liam around 2021, the entire KIN team was heartbroken to learn of his tragic passing through the news this morning. Our thoughts are with his family, especially his beloved son.”