"Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul," the former One Direction star's family said in a statement.
The music industry, friends, family and celebrities are reacting to the shocking and sudden loss of Liam Payne.
The former One Direction singer turned solo artist, fell from his third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, TMZ reported. They add, "It's unclear if it was intentional or accidental."
The 31-year-old's family, including mother Karen and father Geoff, released a statement Thursday following the news.
"We are heartbroken," they said, according to the BBC.
"Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."
Payne was discovered as a young boy competing on Britain's The X Factor in 2008. He then returned to the show in 2010, where he was placed into the boy band One Direction, quickly becoming a household name and world-wide sensation.
The X Factor's official X account said: "We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world."
Dermot O'Leary, who hosted The X Factor, also paid tribute on social media. "The worst news," he captioned an Instagram photograph of him and Payne on the show.
"I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family."
Sharon Osbourne, who served as a judge on the first three series of The X Factor, also shared a tribute to Payne, writing, "Liam, my heart aches."
She continued on Instagram, "We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner? Rest in peace my friend."
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Louis Walsh, who was a judge on the show in 2008 when Payne first auditioned for the show, told the Irish Mirror: "No, (I'm) saying nothing. It's awful."
Robbie Williams, who served as One Direction's mentor on the show, also weighed in, reflecting on how some of his personal struggle's as a young artist mirror that of Payne's.
"How to make sense of the Liam Payne tragedy? Obviously, my first feelings towards his passing were like everyone else. Shock, sadness and confusion. And to be honest as I write these words that’s where I still am," Williams began.
Liam Payne's History with One Direction: Everything He's Said as They Pay Tribute After His Death
View StoryHe continued, "I met the boys on The X Factor and 'mentored' them. I use the word mentored in inverted brackets cos I hardly did anything to be honest. I just hung out with them. They were all cheeky and lovely. I enjoyed the light hearted piss takery and thought about all the times I was that cheeky pisstaker with the Popstars that had gone before me when I was in Take That."
Williams went on to say that he crossed paths with Payne on multiple occasions after the show, and that he often reached out to the late musician when he felt he was in need.
"Our paths have crossed ever since that day and I'm fond of them all. Liam's trials and tribulations were very similar to mine, so it made sense to reach out and offer what I could. So I did," Williams added before urging others to use caution before speculating on the lives of others.
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"As individuals though we have the power to change ourselves. We can be kinder. We can be more empathic. We can at least try to be more compassionate towards ourselves, our family, our friends, strangers in life and strangers on the internet," he noted. "Even famous strangers need your compassion. What a Handsome Talented boy. What a tragic painful loss for his friends, family, fans and by the looks of the energy this moment has created - The World. Be Kind ❤️."
Charlie Puth, Paris Hilton and Ty Dolla $ign were among the first stars to share their condolences with the world.
Rita Ora
Singer Rita Ora shared a heartfelt photo of the pair in a recording studio, writing: "I'm devastated 💔 He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P 🕊️"
The duo worked on "For You" for the Fifty Shades Freed film.
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A few hours after her post, Ora took to the stage in Osaka, Japan where she performed their 2018 duet "For You".
A picture of her and Payne was projected on the big screen behind her, as the 33-year-old fought back tears through the emotional performance of their duet.
The picture of Rita Ora and Liam Payne
— Haruka (@glee_nyanko) October 17, 2024 @glee_nyanko
appeared on the screen at Rita Ora's concert in Japan today. I still can't believe it💔@RitaOra @LiamPayne #RitaOra #LiamPayne #RIP pic.twitter.com/GZxvHUFulC
For You (With Rita Ora)
— 肉 Jason 24 (@nikuniku2424241) October 17, 2024 @nikuniku2424241
リアム・ペイン,リタ・オラ
先程終わった大阪公演 の映像を拾う。
悲しみの中ほとんど歌えなかったみたい。@RitaOra @LiamPayne @liampaynejp
本日の大阪公演 #リタオラ はこの曲を歌えるのか? 追悼の言葉とか思い出話はあるのか? #RITAORA #ritaora pic.twitter.com/b58a71caYu
Quavo
Payne's collaborator Quavo shared an Instagram Story telling Payne to, "Rest in Paradise." Quavo featured on Payne's hit single, "Strip That Down"
Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth wrote on his Instagram Story: "I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone.” He shared a video of the two artists when they were young with the words “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry."
The singer also shared a video remembering the star to his story.
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One Direction's Liam Payne Dead at 31
View StoryBoy George
Iconic British star, Boy George also took a moment to share his condolences saying that it was "just awful news to wake up to."
How sad is the death of Liam Payne. Just awful news to wake up to. God bless his family. I am absolutely shocked. R.I.P.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) October 17, 2024 @BoyGeorge
Winnie Harlow
Model Winnie Harlow wrote on her Instagram Story, "Life is short. We are but a blip in existence. But in this blip I'm here with you. And for that gift, of being here with you, to show my gratitude; I love you."
She also shared a snapshot of the pair at an award show.
Zedd
Zedd, with whom Payne collaborated on 2017's "Get Low," shared his own tribute, writing “RIP Liam…I can't believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…."
RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…
— Zedd (@Zedd) October 16, 2024 @Zedd
absolutely heartbreaking … 💔
He also shared a number of photos of the pair from performing together and being backstage.
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Paris Hilton
"So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing," Paris Hilton tweeted. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."
So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024
Ty Dolla $ign
Rapper Ty Dolla $ign shared on his Instagram story a reel of Payne, adding that he spoke to the singer just "2 days ago," before sharing that he will "miss" the singer "fr."
Liam Gallagher
Oasis member Liam Gallagher wrote to his followers: “Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy".
Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) October 17, 2024 @liamgallagher
Backstreet Boys
Boy band Backstreet Boys shared their heartfelt tribute to X, highlighting their support to One Direction fans, Directioners.
"Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat. Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world."
Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.
— Backstreet Boys (@backstreetboys) October 17, 2024 @backstreetboys
Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world.
Rest in peace brother.
Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd, who competed against One Direction on The X Factor, posted a tribute alongside a black-and-white photo of her and Payne, opening up about the memories they made together on the show.
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Max George
Singer Max George recalled the time he met Payne and how thankful he was to have known Payne "personally."
"Liam was absolutely wonderful in terms of support when Tom fell ill, performing at the Royal Albert Hall with us for Stand Up To Cancer. He supported me a lot personally after Tom passed. I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans all around the world at this tragic time."
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Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson of pop music duo Jack & Jack wrote on X, "If this Liam Payne news is true that s--t is honestly so gut wrenching … was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, f--k the internet for being so ruthless over the past few months … for real such a toxic environment on here man that's so sad."
if this Liam Payne news is true that shit is honestly so gut wrenching… was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, fuck the Internet for being so ruthless over the past few months… forreal such a toxic environment on here mannnn that’s so sad
— J (@JVCKJ) October 16, 2024 @JVCKJ
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran took to Instagram to share a black and white photo of Payne, writing, "At a loss for words. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heartbreaking situation. Be kind. X."
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Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello, who got her start in a similar way when she was put into Fifth Harmony on the U.S. version of The X Factor, also paid tribute to Payne, taking to her Instagram Stories to share a heartfelt message.
"Thank you Liam for all the joy you brought my friends and i. it really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group i loved and have him be so kind," she wrote in an update on her Instagram story. "it's a tragedy to have him gone way too soon.."
Flavor Flav, Juicy J, Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James and more also paid tribute to the late musician.