Liam Payne Tributes: Payne’s Family, Paris Hilton, Charlie Puth, ‘The X Factor’ Team & More Remember One Direction Alum
Following the unexpected death of Liam Payne, family, friends, fans and loved ones have taken to social media with an outpouring of emotional tributes.
As reports broke that the One Direction alum died at age 31 on Wednesday when he fell from the balcony of his Buenos Aires, Argentina hotel room, Paris Hilton, Charlie Puth and more shared their memories of the musician online.
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In the past few minutes, Payne’s family have issued a statement saying they are “heartbroken.”
“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” they said. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
“So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing,” wrote Hilton on X. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend”
Puth, co-writer of Liam’s 2017 single “Bedroom Floor,” shared a statement on 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 cannot believe he is gone…” Puth wrote, also sharing a throwback photo with Payne.
Zedd, who collaborated with Payne on the 2017 single ‘Get Low’, wrote on X, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking…”
Dermot O’Leary, former The X Factor presenter, shared a throwback photo of himself and Payne on the show where One Direction got their start in 2010. “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx,” wrote O’Leary on Instagram.
The X Factor X account, meanwhile, described the star as “immensely talented.”
“As part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world,” it added. “Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
Ty Dolla $ign shared a recent memory with Payne on his Instagram Story. “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr sucio,” he wrote.
Harry Styles’ mother, Anne Twist, posted a broken heart emoji on Instagram and captioned it “Just a boy … ??” to pay tribute to her son’s former One Direction bandmate.
Rita Ora, who collaborated with Payne on the 2018 single ‘For You (Fifty Shades Freed)’, shared a series of pictures of her and Payne to Instagram. “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 ???” wrote Ora.
Longtime collaborator and friend Ed Sheeran posted a black and white picture of Payne to his Instagram. “At a loss for words. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heartbreaking situation. Be kind. X,” he wrote.
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