10
Loading video...
By Erin Keller
Reporter (Live News)
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The family of Liam Payne has broken their silence after the former One Direction singer died in Argentina on Wednesday.
In a statement to the BBC on Thursday, Payne's family said, "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 at this awful time," the statement concluded.
Read More on News
Payne, 31, reportedly died after falling from the third floor into the internal courtyard of the CasaSur hotel, located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, resulting in "extremely serious injuries." According to local authorities, Payne fractured his skull and medics confirmed his death on the spot.
Buenos Aires police told The Associated Press in a statement that the musician "had jumped from the balcony of his room" on the third floor of CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
In a 911 call moments before Payne's death, one of the hotel's senior staff reported that a man was behaving aggressively and may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
...
Newsweek has contacted representatives for Payne for comment.
Payne is survived by his parents Karen and Geoff Payne, as well as his older sisters Nicola and Ruth Payne.
The English-born musician also shares a 7-year-old son Bear with former judge of the British X Factor, Cheryl Cole, the show where One Direction was formed in 2010.
...
"We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne," a post Thursday on The X Factor's Instagram page 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."
Katie Waissel, who competed on X Factor with Payne, also addressed his death, tweeting Wednesday, "My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words."
"If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth... and I'll be sure it all comes out. #justiceforliam"
Cowell, the creator of X Factor has yet to speak on Payne's death. The famed talent scout also created Britain's Got Talent and has canceled that show's taping on Thursday in light of Payne's passing.
Horan, nor any of the other One Direction members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik have addressed Payne's death amid an outpouring of celebrity tributes Wednesday.
...
Horan's mother Denise Horan posted a photo of Payne to her Instagram on Thursday, writing, "You were always so kind and calm with us all, going out of your way to send an odd text to see how we all were never went unnoticed, and willing to stand in for photos and sign autographs just selfless."
"Sending prayers to your mammy, dad and sisters, friends and all your wonderful ID family too rip Liam 🥹 your leaving a long lasting effect on us xxx #kindness," Denise Horan finished.
Styles' mom Anne Twist seemingly responded to the news of her son's colleague's death, posting a photo of the broken heart emoji Wednesday on Instagram.
"Just a boy ... 💔" she captioned the post.
One Direction finished third on The X Factor but quickly signed a record deal with Cowell's label Syco Music.
Their breakout song "What Makes You Beautiful," as well as "Night Changes," "Story of My Like," and "Drag Me Down" all have over 1 billion Spotify streams. Despite the group going on hiatus in 2016, One Direction has over 42 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
The group management Modest! Management paid tribute to Payne Thursday on social media.
"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," the management firm added.
...
After the band split, Payne pursued a solo career and saw success with songs like "Bedroom Floor," "Get Low," and "Strip That Down" – the latter of which has over 1 billion Spotify streams.
He most recently released his song "Teardrops," which was co-written by NSYNC's JC Chasez.
Republic Records released a statement on Payne's death Thursday, writing, "We are deeply saddened and devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne, an extraordinary artist whose music touched millions."
"His legacy will live on through the timeless work he created, and he will forever be remembered as an icon of his generation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time."
...
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741 741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines