The world is still reeling from the shocking news of Liam Payne’s sudden death. Announced on October 17, 2024, the British singer tragically passed away after plummeting from his third-story hotel room in Buenos Aires.
While the incident is still being investigated by local authorities, condolences and tributes for the late musician have begun to roll in on social media in the immediate aftermath. Most devastatingly, all remaining members of One Direction have reunited to release a shared statement to their fallen bandmate on the group’s official Instagram page.
Whilst the account hasn’t shared a post since 2020, it broke its silence to post a joint acknowledgement signed collectively by Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik, even despite the latter leaving the band in 2015. (One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, with the pop ensemble speculated to reunite in person at Payne’s funeral.)
Styles, Tomlinson and Malik have each shared personal tributes to their fallen “brother”. Horan is yet to make an individual message. The Irish singer was the last member of the band to see Payne alive.
Payne had travelled to Argentina with his girlfriend, American influencer Kate Cassidy, to attend Horan’s concert, where he announced on Snapchat he intended to “square up a couple of things with the boy”. Payne and Horan posed together for a picture after the performance, though the English native confirmed they “hadn’t spoken in a while” prior to the rekindling.
It’s a painful time for Payne’s family, friends and fans, with his ex-band members announcing they’re taking “time to grieve and process the loss”. To read their heart-tugging statements in full, scroll below.
One Direction
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Louis Tomlinson
“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. 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.
Liam was an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. 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.
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. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.
I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.
Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”
Zayn Malik
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.
Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f**** about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, 😂 I always secretly respected you for it.
When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
I was always happy to know, no matter what happens on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.”
Harry Styles
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it. Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
