Tributes have begun pouring in for former One Direction member Liam Payne, who died on Wednesday (Oct 16) after falling from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31.
Internet personality Waliyha Malik, the sister of Payne’s former bandmate Zayn Malik, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her shock.
She shared a throwback photo with Payne with a caption, saying: “I honestly have no words for this sad moment ... I really can’t believe it.”
Renowned American artiste Charlie Puth shared a photo with Payne on his Instagram account.
The We Don’t Talk Anymore hitmaker also wrote on his Instagram Story: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artistes I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone.”
Puth also uploaded a video of himself with the late English singer, adding: “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
German music producer Zedd, who collaborated with Payne on the 2017 song Get Low, said he was heartbroken by the news of his friend’s death.
“Life is short and fragile ... You never know what people are going through.
“We live in times where being rude, divisive and mean is normal; sometimes even celebrated. It doesn’t have to be this way.
“We should do our best to be kind, supportive and mindful,” he wrote on X.
American media personality Paris Hilton also paid tribute to the late singer and extended her condolences to Payne’s family and loved ones.
“So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne’s passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend,” she wrote on X.
Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction – alongside Zayn, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan – on the British reality talent show The X Factor.
The group, formed by music executive Simon Cowell on the show in 2010, placed third in the competition and went on to sign with Cowell’s Syco Entertainment.
Over the years, One Direction has captivated fans (affectionately known as Directioners) with hits like What Makes You Beautiful, One Thing, Best Song Ever and more.
In 2015, the band released a statement announcing Zayn’s departure from the group.
One Direction’s final single History was released on Nov 6, 2015.
