Backstreet Boys, Rita Ora, Charlie Puth Among Those Paying Tribute to Liam Payne: “He Had the Kindest Soul”

Liam James17 October 2024Last Updated: 17 October 2024

0 0 4 minutes read

Charlie Puth, DJ Zedd, Rita Ora and Backstreet Boys are among the celebrities paying tribute to Liam Payne, who died tragically Wednesday at 31.

The former One Direction member fell from the third-floor balcony of a hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to state police, per ABC and CNN.

He was best known for his work in the boy band made up of Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. He went on to have a fairly successful solo music career after leaving the band in 2016. Payne’s debut single, “Strip That Down” featuring Quavo, was released that year. He also collaborated with artists such as DJ Zedd and J Balvin.

Payne’s family, including mother Karen and father Geoff, released a statement Thursday following the news. “We are heartbroken,” they said, according to the BBC. “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.”

Charlie Puth 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 artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone.” He shared a video of the two artists when they were young with the words “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry.”

Zedd, whom Payne collaborated with on 2017’s “Get Low,” shared his own tribute, writing “RIP Liam…I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking….”

“So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing,” Paris Hilton tweeted. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”

Rapper Ty Dolla Sign wrote on his Instagram story above a video of Payne, “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr.”

Lou Teasdale, One Direction’s former hairdresser, wrote on Twitter, “sending you all so much love.”

“This all feels so surreal,” One Direction guitarist Dan Richards wrote on social media. “Thanks to everyone reaching out. Still trying to wrap my head around it all. My thoughts go out to Liam’s family at this time.”

Oasis member Liam Gallagher wrote to his followers: “Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy.”