One Direction have released a joint statement following the sudden death of bandmate Liam Payne.
The 31-year-old singer was found dead after falling from the third floor of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16.
Confirming the news of his death, emergency medical services director Alberto Crescenti said on Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel: “At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel.”
He went on: “At 17.11 a SAME team arrived and verified the death of this man and later we found out that he was a singer in a musical group.
“Unfortunately, he had injuries that were incompatible with life, as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death, there was no possibility of resuscitation.”
Payne rose to prominence as part of British boy band One Direction along with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.
The group were formed on reality competition show The X Factor in 2010, and went on to become one of the best-selling boybands of all time.
To date, the pop band has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in January 2016 and many of its members went on to carve out solo careers for themselves – Payne included.
In the wake of his untimely death, his former bandmates Styles, Malik, Horan and Tomlinson have released a joint statement.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the four members wrote in a statement posted to One Direction’s Instagram page. “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.”
One Direction were formed on X Factor (Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Other music stars and celebrities have also paid tribute to Payne on social media.
DJ Zedd, who worked with the singer on his song ‘Get Low’, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, Charlie Puth penned to his Instagram Story: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…”
He added: “I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Rapper Juicy J also wrote: “R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family.”
