Liam Payne's family release emotional statement following star's death: 'We are heartbroken'

Phoebe Tatham
·3 min read
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Liam Payne attends the World Premiere of "I Am Bolt" at Odeon Leicester Square on November 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage) (Mike Marsland)

Liam Payne's family have released an emotional statement following the One Direction star's tragic death on Wednesday.

Expressing their heartbreak, the singer's family said via a spokeswoman: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

Liam tragically passed away after falling from a hotel balcony
The singer died aged 31 in Buenos Aires (Getty Images)

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

Liam died aged 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Strip That Down hitmaker is said to have been in the Argentine capital to attend the concert of his former bandmate, Nial Horan.

Liam struggled following the group's split
The singer shot to fame after appearing on The X Factor with One Direction (Gilbert Carrasquillo)

His tragic death prompted an outpouring of tributes across the globe, with fans and fellow musicians writing heartfelt messages on social media.

Liam latest

Downing Street offered Sir Keir Starmer's condolences to Liam's family and friends. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister's sincere condolences are with Liam's family and friends at this time.

"One Direction were one of the biggest bands in history and their music had a huge impact on many millions of fans around the world."

Elsewhere, Dermot O'Leary, who hosted The X Factor during both of Payne’s appearances, shared a photograph of the pair on stage, captioning the Instagram post: "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 wrote. "He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble."

The couple made their official debut in December 2022
Liam with Kate Cassidy at The Fashion Awards in 2022 (Getty Images)

Meanwhile singer Olly Murs, who also appeared on The X Factor, said he was "lost for words," describing Liam's death as "devastating".

Liam shot to stardom as one fifth of boy band One Direction comprising bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. Despite nabbing several chart-topping singles such as What Makes You Beautiful, the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 to pursue solo projects.

Away from the spotlight, he went on to welcome a son called Bear, seven, with his ex, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.

Cheryl and Liam Payne at 38th Brit Awards, Arrivals, The O2 Arena, London, UK - 21 Feb 2018
Cheryl and Liam share one child together (Matt Baron/Shutterstock)

Liam's family

Liam's parents are Geoff and Karen Payne. Aside from Liam, the couple also share daughters Nicola and Ruth.

Liam Payne with father Geoff and mother Karen
Liam Payne with father Geoff and mother Karen (Nti Media Ltd/Shutterstock)

After Liam welcomed his son Bear, Karen took to social media celebrating her new role as a grandmother. "Finally, I can boast that I am a grandmother!" she told her followers. "The happiest grandmother. I'm very proud of my children. Everything I've been doing lately is crying, because I'm very happy, now I have the most beautiful grandson in the world… Thanks God."

LISTEN: HELLO!'s Daily Lowdown Podcast pays tribute to Liam Payne

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