Backstreet Boys, Rita Ora, Charlie Puth Among Those Paying Tribute to Liam Payne: “He Had the Kindest Soul”
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.”
Read more tributes to Payne below.
We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.
He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.
Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/wOXUTKPUiR— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 17, 2024
RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…
absolutely heartbreaking … 💔— Zedd (@Zedd) October 16, 2024
So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024
RIP to Liam Payne,,, much too young 🙏🏾
— FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) October 16, 2024
🤍🕊️ We are deeply saddened and devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne, an extraordinary artist whose music touched millions. His legacy will live on through the timeless work he created, and he will forever be remembered as an icon of his generation. Our thoughts and… pic.twitter.com/lONHc6HlAb
— Republic Records (@RepublicRecords) October 17, 2024
damn this liam payne news got me speechless… looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days. you really never know when it’s your time to go. remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day pic.twitter.com/rArPVaeVhu
— corbyn (@corbynbesson) October 16, 2024
if this Liam Payne news is true that shit is honestly so gut wrenching… was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, fuck the Internet for being so ruthless over the past few months… forreal such a toxic environment on here mannnn that’s so sad
— J (@JVCKJ) October 16, 2024
R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family 🙏🏿
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) October 16, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the news of Liam Payne’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many fans who loved and supported him. pic.twitter.com/5XCBUgrsqR
— Spotify (@Spotify) October 16, 2024
My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words. If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out.…
— Katie Waissel (@katiewaissel24) October 16, 2024
We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans. pic.twitter.com/OT63aeAvGO
— MTV (@MTV) October 16, 2024
Such incredibly sad news about Liam Payne. Didn’t know him as well as I know some of the other One Direction lads, but when we all did this interview together a few years ago in LA, he was charming, cheeky & great fun.
Fame can be as deadly a drug as any narcotic.
RIP Liam. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0uvYMMn49h— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 17, 2024
BREAKING: Liam Payne has died at the age of 31 after reportedly falling from a balcony in Argentina. We are extremely shocked and heartbroken to hear this news. Sending our love to his family, friends and fans around the world. 💔 pic.twitter.com/KQMzOvPbPW
— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) October 16, 2024
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many fans who loved and supported Liam Payne, a former member of the groundbreaking group, One Direction. 🕊️ May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Ce0Eyol2vx
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) October 17, 2024
Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear ❤️ and all the One direction Family
RIP @LiamPayne— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) October 16, 2024
Source: Hollywoodreporter
