Liam Payne’s family pays tribute to ‘funny and brave soul’

The family of former One Direction star Liam Payne have said they are “heartbroken” as they paid tribute to a “kind, funny and courageous soul” following his death at the age of 31.

“We support each other as a family as best we can and ask for privacy and space during this terrible time.”

The pop star, who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2010, died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina, police say.

Liam was one of the five members of One Direction, along with Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles.

Following his death at around 5pm (9pm BST) on Wednesday, stars expressed their shock and posted memories of the father who shared a son, Bear, with former partner Girls Aloud star Cheryl.

Former bandmate Harry’s mother Anne Twist paid tribute, posting a broken heart emoji on Instagram with the caption: “Just a boy.”

Singer Olly Murs, who starred on The X Factor a year before One Direction, said he was “lost for words” and described Payne’s death on Instagram as “devastating”.

Olly said they “always had a good laugh” whenever they met, mostly talking about “how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF (X Factor) days and the tour we did shared together.

“Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams, so to see his life end so young is hard. I am truly devastated and devastated for his family and of course for his son Bear who is losing a father.”

Dermot O’Leary, who was presenting The X Factor when Liam appeared, posted a photo of the pair on stage, captioning the Instagram post: “The worst news.”

“I remember when he was 14 years old auditioning for The X Factor and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing,” he wrote.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful and was always humble.”

American singer Charlie Puth, co-writer of Payne’s 2017 song Bedroom Floor, said he was “in shock” after Payne’s death.

Charlie posted images of the pair working together, alongside the caption “Liam was always so nice to me.”

The Wanted star Max George described his death as “absolutely devastating news”.

“Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and spending precious time with him,” he said on Instagram.

“Liam was absolutely amazing in terms of support when Tom (Parker) fell ill while performing with us at the Royal Albert Hall for Stand Up To Cancer.

“He personally supported me a lot after Tom passed away. I will never forget that.”

“He was one of the first great artists I had the pleasure of working with. I can’t believe he’s gone… I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”

The X Factor said they were “heartbroken” by his death and were thinking of Payne’s loved ones and everyone who loved him.

“He was immensely talented and as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy to the music industry and fans around the world.”

On

West Bromwich Albion football team were “saddened” by the death of “Baggies fan” Payne and sent their thoughts to his loved ones.

Mcfly sent their love to Payne’s friends and family, saying they were “shocked and extremely saddened to wake up to the news” of his death.

Oasis’ Liam Gallagher wrote on X: “Life is precious kids and you can only do it once, take it easy.”

DJ and music producer Zedd, who featured with Payne on the 2017 song Get Low, called the singer’s death “absolutely heartbreaking.”

Boy band Backstreet Boys said: “Words cannot express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.”

American singer and rapper Ty Dolla Sign said he would “miss” Payne, captioning videos and photos on his Instagram Story: “I just talked to you two days ago my man.”