Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates expressed their deep sorrow over his passing, stating they are “completely devastated” following his death at an Argentina hotel. In a heartfelt message shared on the band’s Instagram account, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles remarked that they will take time to mourn the loss of their beloved brother, emphasizing that the memories they shared “will be treasured forever.” They extended their thoughts to Payne’s family, friends, and fans, highlighting the profound impact he had on their lives.
In addition to the band’s collective tribute, Styles, Tomlinson, and Malik shared personal reflections on their social media platforms. Styles recalled how Payne’s greatest joy was making others happy, stating it was an honor to stand by him. He noted that their time together was among the most cherished of his life and expressed a deep sense of missing his friend.
Tomlinson described Payne as someone he admired daily for his positive, humorous, and kind spirit. He shared that they had plans to work together in the studio again, reminiscing about their creative synergy during their time in the band. Tomlinson acknowledged Payne’s indispensable contributions to One Direction, praising his experience, musical talent, and stage presence.
Malik expressed his personal struggles with the loss, recounting conversations he had with Payne and recognizing the support he provided during difficult times. He characterized Payne as strong-willed and respected him even in times of disagreement, expressing a deep yearning for one last hug and goodbye.
One Direction, which gained worldwide fame after forming on “The X Factor” in 2010, has been on indefinite hiatus since 2016, with individual members pursuing solo careers. The group achieved remarkable success, selling over 50 million records and becoming the first to debut their first four albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Investigations into Payne’s tragic death revealed he fell from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo, with emergency services detailing that they responded to reports of erratic behavior linked to drug and alcohol use. He was found shortly after the emergency call but could not be revived. An autopsy indicated he suffered multiple injuries consistent with a fall and suggested the possibility of being unconscious at the time. A variety of substances related to alcohol and drugs were found in his hotel room, further highlighting the circumstances surrounding the incident.