One Direction Members "Devastated by Liam Payne's Death... Will Miss Him Greatly"

Photo of One Direction introduced on the official One Direction website. From the left: Harry Styles, Niall Horan, the late Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson

The British-Irish four-member boy band ‘One Direction’ fell into sorrow upon hearing the news of member Liam Payne's death.

One Direction's Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik (who left the group) issued a joint statement on the band's official account on the 17th (local time) regarding their fellow member Payne's passing. They said, "We are devastated by the news of Liam. When the time passes and everyone is ready, there will be more to say," adding, "But for now, we will mourn the death of our beloved brother and take time to remember him." They continued, "The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever," and added, "Right now, we are thinking of his family, friends, and the fans who loved him along with us. He will be deeply missed. Love you, Liam."

Louis Tomlinson paid tribute to Liam on Instagram, saying, "Liam was always someone I respected, a positive, humorous, and kind soul," and added, "I am so grateful to have been able to be with you, but it’s hard to think that I have to say goodbye. I wish we could have been on stage together again, but that didn’t happen."

Earlier, Payne died after falling from the balcony on the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the 16th. Payne had struggled with alcohol addiction and had posted a video on his YouTube channel last July stating that he had been sober for six months after treatment.

One Direction was formed in 2010 through the British talent show ‘The X-Factor.’ After disbanding in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career. He has a seven-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, with singer Cheryl Cole, who was also a judge on The X-Factor. Tomlinson said, "If Bear ever needs me, I will be a good uncle he needs in his life and will tell him how amazing his father was."