(KTLA/NEXSTAR) – Liam Payne's former bandmates from One Direction have released a statement regarding the 31-year-old's death in Argentina, calling him their “deeply loved brother.”
“We are completely devastated by the news of Liam's death. In time, when we are all able to speak, we will have more to say. But for now, we are saddened by the loss of our dearly loved brother. We are grieving and will take some time to process,'' a joint statement from Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles said. share to instagram Thursday.
“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 along with us. We will miss him very much. We love Liam,” the group added.
The message was signed: “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
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Payne's former bandmates have also begun to pay personal tributes.
Posted by bandmate Harry Styles Instagram It includes a photo of Payne on stage and a heart in the caption. Payne's photo was accompanied by a personal statement from Styles, which read in part: “I am truly devastated by Liam's passing…The years we spent together were my life.'' will forever remain as one of my most cherished years. I will always miss him.” , my lovely friend. ”
Bandmate Louis Tomlinson posted another tribute to Payne.Instagram“I'm devastated as I write this, but yesterday I lost my brother. Liam was someone I looked up to every day, a very positive, funny and kind person.”
Ms Tomlinson wrote a message to Mr Payne saying she was “unbelievably lucky” to have him in her life. He also said he would be the uncle Payne's son “needed in his life.”
Meanwhile, bandmate Zayn Malik posted an old photoInstagramWhen they were teenagers, they slept on the street. “When you left us, I lost a brother. I wanted to hug you one last time, say goodbye to you properly, and tell you that I loved and respected you so much. I can’t explain what to give you if you do,” Malik wrote. . “(I) will forever cherish every memory of you in my heart.”
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Payne died Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room in Buenos Aires.
The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing local media. La Naciónreported that police had been called to the hotel before Payne's death after receiving reports of an “aggressive man” who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Buenos Aires City Security Ministry spokesman Pablo Policicchio said responding officers arrived to find Payne's body in the hotel's courtyard.
Authorities said Payne suffered “very serious injuries” in the fall and there was “no chance of resuscitation.” He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Details from his autopsy: The newspaper, released on Thursday, said Payne died from “multiple injuries” and “internal and external bleeding” after falling from the balcony of her third-floor room at the Casa Sur Hotel.
The coroner said Payne suffered 25 wounds that caused internal and external bleeding to the “skull, thorax, abdomen and extremities,” including a head wound that would have been fatal if left untreated. was.
“Given the position of the body and the injuries sustained from the fall, it is estimated that Payne did not take a reflexive position to protect himself and may have fallen into a semi- or fully unconscious state.” added the prosecutor. .
The “Get Low” singer has previously been vocal about his struggle with alcoholism, posting:videoIn July 2023, he said on his YouTube channel that he had been sober for six months after undergoing treatment. A representative for Mr. Payne did not immediately return an email or phone call.
Payne was 31 years old. He leaves behind a 7-year-old son.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
