Harry Styles has paid tribute to his former bandmate Liam Payne saying his energy was “infectious” and the time spent together would be “among the most cherished years of my life”.
The Watermelon Sugar popstar said in a post on Instagram on Thursday evening he was “truly devastated” by the death of Payne, with whom he shot to fame as part of boy band One Direction.
Payne, 31, died after plunging to his death from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital.
The circumstances of his death were suspicious and possibly involved drugs, Argentinian prosecutors have said, but there was no sign of third-party involvement.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it,” Styles said.
“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 forever 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 him and loved him, as I did.”
Read more:
Liam Payne obituary
Liam Payne in pictures: A life in the spotlight
Payne posted on social media in hours before death
Tributes to the 31-year-old singer have been pouring in from all over the world since the shocking news of his death emerged.
One Direction issued a statement saying they were “completely devastated” by “the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly”.
On his Instagram page, fellow One Direction member Louis Tomlinson said he had “lost a brother”.
Calling the singer “an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody”, he said they “got even closer since the band” and offered to be an uncle to Payne’s son, Bear if he “ever needs me”.
L to R, Zayn Malik, Styles, Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Nial Horan from One Direction. Pic: PA
Zayn Malik posted simply “Love You Bro”, along with a picture of the two of them asleep together, seemingly in a vehicle.
‘Heartbroken’
His family said they were “heartbroken” in a statement issued through Payne’s representative.
“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
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The 31-year-old singer died after falling from the third floor, police said
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who performed with One Direction in 2014, said he was “shocked and saddened”.
The Backstreet Boys said in a social media post that their hearts go out to “Directioners around the world.”
Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne said the music industry had failed Payne, who was “just a kid” when he entered “one of the toughest industries in the world”.
Payne previously said he struggled with alcoholism at the peak of his success, describing hitting “rock bottom” to The Diary Of A CEO podcast host Steven Bartlett.
But in 2023 he posted a YouTube video confirming he was almost six months sober after nearly 100 days in a US rehab facility.
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As fans mourn his loss, Sky News takes a look back at Payne’s life
In past interviews, Payne alluded to the gruelling consequences of growing up against the surreal backdrop of the entertainment industry.
“I don’t think you can ever deal with that. It’s all a bit crazy for us to see that people get in that sort of state of mind about us and what we do,” he told the AP in 2013.
What do we know about Payne’s death so far?
Evidence of damage in Payne’s hotel room. Pic: Buenos Aires Police
Pictures from Payne’s hotel room in Buenos Aires. Pic: Buenos Aires Police
The Buenos Aires police said they found Payne’s hotel room “in complete disarray” with broken objects and furniture.
They found packs of clonazepam, a central nervous system depressant, energy supplements and over-the-counter medications strewn about his belongings. The Argentine public prosecutor said there also appeared to be alcohol and narcotics in the room.
Forensics teams reported that a whiskey bottle, lighter and mobile phone were retrieved from the building’s internal courtyard where Payne’s body was found.
One of his close friends has shown Sky News messages he sent her hours before he died.
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The results of the requested toxicology tests are pending and could take weeks to become public.
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.