The former band members of One Direction have released a joint statement following the death of Liam Payne, aged 31.
The band, who were formed on X-Factor, was made up of Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Mailk.
Though One Direction was one of the highest selling boy bands of all time, Malik left the band in 2015, and the rest of its members went on an ‘indefinite hiatus’ in 2016.
One Direction was one of the highest selling boy bands of all time (Fred Duval via Getty Images)
Payne was sadly found dead at a hotel in Argentina on October 16.
Whilst initial reports stated he had fallen from his third story hotel room, it was later confirmed by Pablo Policicchio, the spokesperson for the security ministry of Buenos Aires.
As reported by Sky News, Policicchio claimed in a statement that Payne threw ‘himself from the balcony of his room’.
He went on to state that police had been sent to the hotel following reports of an ‘aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol’.
Now, One Direction have addressed the tragic loss.
The former band members’ statement reads:
“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 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.”
The statement was signed by all four remaining members of the band.
This comes amidst the global shock of Payne’s premature death, which has led fans to amass outside the hotel in Buenos Aires and online tributes to pour in.
This includes various from celebrities, who have rushed to pay their respects to the young singer.
Jedward tweeted: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear @LiamPayne”.
Payne leaves behind his 7-year-old son Bear, who he shared with his ex-partner Cheryl.
Liam Payne died aged just 31 (Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Charlie Puth posted on Instagram to say: “I am in shock right now. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…”
Payne was confirmed to have died at the scene.
Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state emergency medical system, confirmed the news on Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel.
Crescenti said in a statement: “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.
“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.”