One Direction, family and friends share emotional tributes after Liam Payne's death

WARNING: This article contains content that may be distressing

The members of One Direction have shared an emotional tribute to their former bandmate.

In a joint statement on social media, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles revealed that they are all "devastated" at Liam Payne's sudden death.

"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever," the statement read.

Family tributes

Liam Payne's family have paid tribute to the star and his "kind, funny and brave soul".

The former One Direction singer passed away at the age of 31 on Wednesday (16.10.24) after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina and his "heartbroken" relatives - parents Geoff and Karen and sisters Nicola and Ruth - have appealed for "privacy and space".

They said in a statement: "We are heartbroken. 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 during this awful time."

Liam's older sisters were seen arriving at their parents' Wolverhampton home early on Thursday (17.10.24) morning and an unnamed family member at the property previously told MailOnline: "We are utterly devastated by the news."

Staff at Modest Management, who managed One Direction, have been left "absolutely devastated" by the death of Liam, who had seven-year-old son Bear with former partner Cheryl Tweedy.

They said in a statement: "We are absolutely devastated by the tragic news of Liam Payne’s passing. Liam was a huge part of the historic success of One Direction and brought so much pleasure to millions of fans around the globe. Our thoughts go out to all his family, his son Bear and all friends.

"Sending deep love and condolences from the Modest! family.....forever in our hearts Payno."

Meanwhile, two of Liam's old schools have paid tribute to the 'Strip That Down' hitmaker.

City of Wolverhampton College shared a photo of a teenage Liam at a mixing desk on X and wrote: "We were sorry to hear the news about former student Liam Payne and wish to extend our sympathies to his family and friends at this very sad time."

And St Peter's Collegiate Academy Wolverhampton said it was "deeply saddened" by the news.

The establishment released a statement which read: "During his time at St Peter's Collegiate Academy, Liam was not only well-liked by his peers and teachers but also recognised for his talents.

"He made a positive impact on our school community, and his contributions will be remembered.

"Our thoughts are with Liam's family and friends during this difficult time. We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by his passing."

Cause of death revealed

Liam Payne died from "multiple traumas" that caused "internal and external bleeding".

The 31-year-old singer died on Wednesday (16.10.24) after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, and preliminary autopsy findings reported by the Daily Mirror newspaper found the result was consistent with his 10-metre fall.

Toxological and anatomical-pathologicial studies of blood and urine are being undertaken to determine any traces of drugs.

Police found a bottle of whiskey, a lighter, and a white powder in the room, as well as medications including clonazepam - which is used to treat epilepsy, panic disorders or involuntary muscle spasms - and energy pills.

A notebook and Liam's passport were seized and handed over to investigators, as well as phone that may have belonged to the former One Direction star and will be checked for messages.

Police responded to a 911 call to a hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. Photo / Getty Images

Police described "total disorder" in the room, with various things broken.

They earlier said they had been called to reports of an "aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol".

Emergency services previously said Liam had died instantly.

Buenos Aires emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti told The Sun: "Our role was to head there quickly, give medical attention, and try to resuscitate him, but his injuries were incompatible with life.

"Based on what the team saw, there was apparently a cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death."

Audio from the two calls made by the hotel's head of reception to emergency services has also circulated online, with the employee admitting staff were "worried" a guest would put their life at risk.

In the first call, he said: "We have a guest drunk with drugs and alcohol. When he [them, gender not clear in conversation] is conscious, he is breaking everything in the room...

"We have a guest who is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come."

After the line went dead, he called back and said: "We need you to send someone urgently because I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger.

"They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk."

Liam's body was found in the hotel's inner courtyard at around 5pm local time.

TMZ.com reported that witnesses stated Liam had been "acting erratic" in the lobby of the hotel with the outlet publishing statements suggesting the singer had smashed his laptop and had to be taken back to his room.

Authorities in Buenos Aires have since launched an investigation into the star's death and the UK Foreign Office has confirmed officials have been in touch with authorities in Argentina "regarding reports of the death of a British man".

Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state emergency medical system, confirmed the pop star fell into an internal courtyard at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.

Crescenti told Argentina's Todo Noticias TV channel: "A few minutes later [an] emergency team arrived and confirmed the death of this man who we later learned was from a musical group. 

"He had injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall. There was no way to do anything."

Liam's death came hours after his final posts on social media in which he declared it was a "lovely day in Argentina" and said he was having a late breakfast with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who is believed to have left Buenos Aires and flown to the US prior to the tragedy.

The singer spoke about his plans for the day in a post on Snapchat telling his followers he was hoping to play polo.

He said: "Today, we ride. We're going to ride some horses.

"Think I'm going to play polo again, which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks. 

"It's so hard to do, number one, my back and my neck from swinging that hammer around ... or mallet, I think it's called if you're in the know. It hurts a lot, it's very tough to do."

Tributes flow ...

Harry Styles' mother has paid tribute to Liam Payne. 

Anne Twist took to social media to share a broken-hearted emoji after it was revealed Harry's former One Direction bandmate Liam had died aged the age of 31 on Wednesday

She wrote on Instagram: "Just a boy … "

Meanwhile, Rita Ora feels "devastated" over Liam Payne's passing.

The 33-year-old pop star has taken to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to her showbiz pal, who died in Buenos Aires on Wednesday (16.10.24), aged 31.

Rita - who collaborated with Liam on the 2018 single 'For You' - wrote on X: "I’m devastated [broken-heart emoji] 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 [dove emoji] (sic)"

Several other stars and friends have since shared their own tributes online including fellow stars, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys, James Corden among them.

Former One Direction star Zayn Malik's sister Waliyha has also paid tribute to Liam following his death.

She posted a picture with the late star, and wrote on X: "I can't believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment... I really can't believe it"

Liam, Harry and Zayn met in 2010 when they were put together in band One Direction - alongside Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson - on TV talent show 'The X Factor'. 

Liam Payne rose to fame as a member of boy band One Direction, alongside Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles. Photo / Getty Images

Zayn quit the group in 2015, and the 'What Makes You Beautiful' hitmakers went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 after releasing five albums, 'Up All Night', 'Take Me Home', 'Midnight Memories', 'Four', and 'Made in the A.M', which spawned singles such as 'Steal My Girl', 'Best Song Ever', and 'Drag Me Down'.

Tragically, Liam passed away on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. He is said to have attended one of Niall's concerns in Argentina earlier this month.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

- Bang! ShowbiZ