'We are heartbroken': Liam Payne's family issues statement after singer's death
Liam Payne's family has issued a statement following the singer's tragic death on Wednesday.
"We are heartbroken," the family shared in a statement obtained by "Good Morning America." "Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul."
The family added, "We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."
Tributes have been pouring in for Payne in the wake of news that the former One Direction member died after falling from a hotel in Argentina, according to state police. He was 31.
Charlie Puth, who worked on Payne's 2017 song, "Bedroom Floor," was among the first who expressed their shock and sadness over the news.
"Liam was always so kind to me," Puth wrote on his Instagram story. "He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone."
He also shared a video with Payne on his Instagram story and wrote in text underneath, "I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace."
Payne was known for being a member of the popular boy band One Direction along with Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn. The group was formed on "The X Factor" in 2010 and went on to release five albums, including "Up All Night" in 2011 and "Made in the A.M." in 2015.
After the band split in 2015, Payne embarked on a solo career and released the song "Strip that Down" in 2017. He also released the album "LP1" in 2019.
See more tributes from Payne's collaborators and others below:
Zedd: "RIP Liam... I can't believe this is real... absolutely heartbreaking ... 💔," said the music producer on X," formerly Twitter, who worked on Payne's "LP1" album.
Paris Hilton: "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢," Hilton wrote on X. "Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend."
Juicy J: "R. I. P. Liam Payne wow I can't believe it prayers up for the family 🙏🏿 ," rapper Juicy J, a former collaborator of Payne's, wrote on X.
Jedward: John and Edward Grimes of the music duo Jedward, who are "X Factor" alums, also took to X to express their condolences for Payne's family. "RIP Liam Payne," they said. "Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear ❤️ and all the One direction family."
Dan Richards: One Direction guitarist and music director Dan Richards said in an Instagram story that the news of Payne's death "all feels so surreal."
"Still trying to wrap my head around it all," he said. "My thoughts go out to Liams family at this time."
E. L. James: "Fifty Shades of Grey" author E. L. James said she is "heartbroken" over the "tragic passing of Liam Payne." "I can barely believe it," she added. "Sincere condolences to his family."
Payne appeared on the "Fifty Shades Freed" soundtrack in 2018 on the song, "For You" with Rita Ora.
Ty Dolla $ign: Singer and record producer Ty Dolla $ign took to his Instagram story to share a post about Payne and said, "Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u."
Rita Ora: Singer Rita Ora, who sang with Payne on his song "For You" from the "Fifty Shades Freed" soundtrack, said in an Instagram post: "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 🕊️."
Max George: Singer Max George of The Wanted said in an Instagram post: "Absolutely devastating news. I met Liam way back when 1D were on X Factor. Over the last few years I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and spent some treasured time with him."
Cher Lloyd: Singer Cher Lloyd shared a tribute for Payne on Instagram, writing, "From being on ['The X Factor'] together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam."
Edward Enninful: Edward Enninful, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, said in an Instagram tribute: "It is too painful to even write this. Liam, you were a true friend. One of the most loyal, sensitive, dynamic, funny and unique people I ever had the good fortune to meet. True friendship is a rare gift and we hope and assume that gift will last a lifetime. Today my heart breaks for how short life can be. My thoughts are with all of Liam’s family and loved ones."
Ronnie Wood: Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who performed with Payne and One Direction on "The X Factor," said on X that he was "shocked and saddened" to hear of Payne's death.
"It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance," Wood wrote in his post, which included a video of the "X Factor" performance. "God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed."
JC Chasez: "I will miss you my friend," the singer and NSYNC member, who co-wrote Payne's recent song, "Teardrops," shared in an post on his Instagram story. "My heart is with your family."
Olly Murs: Singer-songwriter and "X Factor" alum Olly Murs, who previously went on tour with One Direction, remembered Payne in a moving Instagram post.
"This news is devastating, am lost for words," Murs began. "We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together."
"Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard," he added. "I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam 🙏🏻😣."
Paul Wesley: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Liam," the "Vampire Diaries" actor wrote on his Instagram story, beneath a photo of him and Payne. "Such a tragedy. Far too young."
J Balvin: The Colombian singer, who collaborated with Payne on the 2018 song "Familiar," shared a message on his Instagram story, writing, "Rest in peace my g Liam Payne."
Camila Cabello: "Thank you Liam for all the joy you brought my friends and i," Cabello said in a statement on her Instagram story. "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. it's a tragedy to have him gone way too soon."
Jade Thirwall: In a message shared on her Instagram story, Jade Thirwall, a former member of the U.K. band Little Mix, which was also formed on "The X Factor," said the news of Payne's death is "truly heartbreaking."
"Sending so much love to his family, friends, fans, loved ones, and all who knew him," she said. "We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry. Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we'd 'make it.' I hope you are at peace now."
James Corden: Television host James Corden, who had a close bond with the band, said in an Instagram post that he will "treasure the moments" he got to spend with Payne.
"He was such. loving and kind soul," he said. "My thoughts are with his family today x."
