Liam Payne‘s family has issued a statement following the singer’s tragic death on Wednesday.
“We are heartbroken,” the family shared in a statement obtained by Good Morning America. “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
The family added, “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Payne in the wake of news that the former One Direction member died after falling from a hotel in Argentina, according to state police. He was 31.
Charlie Puth, who worked on Payne’s 2017 song “Bedroom Floor,” was among the first who expressed their shock and sadness over the news.
“Liam was always so kind to me,” Puth wrote on his Instagram Story. “He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone.”
He also shared a video of him with Payne on his Instagram Story and wrote in text underneath, “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
See more tributes from Payne’s collaborators and more below:
Zedd: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking,” the music producer, who worked on Payne’s LP1 album, posted on social platform X.
Paris Hilton: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing,” Hilton wrote on X. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
Juicy J: “R. I. P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family,” rapper Juicy J, a former collaborator of Payne’s, wrote on X.
Jedward: John and Edward Grimes of the music duo Jedward, who are X Factor alums, also took to X to express their condolences to Payne’s family. “RIP Liam Payne,” they said. “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction family.”
Dan Richards: One Direction guitarist and music director Dan Richards said in an Instagram Story that the news of Payne’s death “all feels so surreal.”
“Still trying to wrap my head around it all,” he said. “My thoughts go out to Liams [sic] family at this time.”
E. L. James: Fifty Shades of Grey author E. L. James said she is “heartbroken” over the “tragic passing of Liam Payne.” “I can barely believe it,” she added. “Sincere condolences to his family.”
Payne appeared on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack in 2018 on the song “For You” with Rita Ora.
Ty Dolla $ign: Singer and record producer Ty Dolla $ign took to his Instagram Story to share a post about Payne and said, “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u.”
Rita Ora: Singer Rita Ora, who sang with Payne on his song “For You” from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, said in an Instagram post: “I’m devastated … 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.”
Max George: Singer Max George of The Wanted said in an Instagram post, “Absolutely devastating news. I met Liam way back when 1D were on X Factor. Over the last few years I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and spent some treasured time with him.”
Cher Lloyd: Singer Cher Lloyd shared a tribute to Payne on Instagram, writing, “From being on [The X Factor] together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”
Edward Enninful: Edward Enninful, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, said in an Instagram tribute, “It is too painful to even write this. Liam, you were a true friend. One of the most loyal, sensitive, dynamic, funny and unique people I ever had the good fortune to meet. True friendship is a rare gift and we hope and assume that gift will last a lifetime. Today my heart breaks for how short life can be. My thoughts are with all of Liam’s family and loved ones.”
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