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By Billie Schwab Dunn and Erin Keller
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Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan released a statement following the death of former fellow One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne.
"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly," the band members posted on Instagram.
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. - Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry."
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Payne, 31, fell from the third floor of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, as confirmed by personnel from the 14B Police Station. The singer had been in Buenos Aires to attend Horan's concert.
On Wednesday afternoon, authorities received a call at 5:04 p.m. from the hotel manager, who said Payne was acting aggressively and may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Responders from the 14B Police Station and Emergency Medical Attention System arrived to find Payne's body in the internal courtyard of the CasaSur hotel.
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Paramedics confirmed Payne's death shortly after they arrived at 5:11 p.m. A prosecutor and local authorities are investigating the cause of the singer's death with assistance from the City Police.
A preliminary autopsy report is answering some questions surrounding the tragic death of Payne.
Buenos Aires police told The Associated Press in a statement that Payne "had jumped from the balcony of his room".
The singer died from "multiple trauma" and "internal and external hemorrhage" sustained from the fall, according to the preliminary autopsy report released Thursday by the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 14.
In a lengthy Instagram post Thursday, Tomlinson wrote, "I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I'd longed all my life for."
"Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam."
"A message to you Liam if you're listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I'm really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I'm so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I'd have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn't to be."
"I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X."
Malik also posted a photo and message to his friend on Instagram: "Love You Bro" followed by a heart emoji.
The former boy band members aren't the only people who have reacted to the news, as the band's former hairstylist and makeup artist Lou Teasdale shared her thoughts on an Instagram Story, telling fans: "I hope you're all ok."
Styles' mother, Anne Twist, shared a photo of a broken heart emoji on Instagram with a caption that said: "Just a boy..."
The X (formerly Twitter) account belonging to The X Factor, the British talent show where the five men found fame, shared a post following the news of Payne's death.
"We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne," the statement reads. "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. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him."
The boy band Backstreet Boys, consisting of members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson, also shared their condolences on X.
"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," they wrote. "Our hearts go out to Liam's family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother."
Oasis member Liam Gallagher also reacted to the news on X, writing: "Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x."
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When asked in the comment what he thinks "about One Direction right now," the singer responded: "Very sad."
Styles, Tomlinson, Malik, Horan and Payne rose to fame in 2010 as part of the globally successful boy band, one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.
The X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger is often credited for bringing the young men together. Old clips from the talent program show Scherzinger telling the other judges, including record executive and show creator Simon Cowell, that they should put together "an imaginary boy band" with some of their favorite solo contestants from the show and added Styles and Tomlinson to the hypothetical lineup.
"They are the cutest boy band ever, I love it. The little girls are going to love them," Scherzinger said in the video recorded in 2010 during the seventh series of the show.
One Direction enjoyed massive success on the music charts before taking an extended hiatus in 2016. Malik departed the group in 2015, while Styles has gone on to become a major recording and touring artist in his own right.
Tomlinson, Horan and Payne have also pursued solo careers, with Payne previously releasing songs such as "Strip That Down" and "Bedroom Floor."
He had a 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, from his previous relationship with singer Cheryl, who was known as Cheryl Cole while in the band Girls Aloud.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org
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