The bandmates of One Direction have issued a heartfelt statement following the shock death of Liam Payne yesterday.
The 31-year-old died after falling from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson said in the statement.
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“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 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.”
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Tomlinson released a separate statement, describing Payne as a “positive, funny, and kind soul” who touched the lives of many people.
“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday,” he said.
“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.”
Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction, a boy band formed on the British television series The X Factor in 2010.
After each singer failed to make it through the competition as solo acts, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges combined the five boys into one of the best-selling boy groups of all time.
One Direction announced they were taking a hiatus in 2015.
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The pair would often speak about returning to the studio together to recapture the writing chemistry they shared as a band.
“It wasn’t to be,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
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Payne had a seven-year-old son named Bear, whom he shared with former Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole.
Tomlinson expressed his intention to be like an “Uncle” to Bear, promising to share stories that highlighted just how amazing his father was.
“I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you,” he said.
“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”
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Police are investigating the death of Payne after his hotel room was found “in complete disarray”.
There were more than two dozen injuries to the star’s body but are yet to settle on the exact cause of the former One Direction singer’s death.
He was found with “extremely serious injuries” by police in hotel’s internal courtyard, after he fell about 13 to 14 metres.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
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