The family of former One Direction star Liam Payne say they are “heartbroken” by his death.
The 31-year-old singer died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
In a statement, his family said: “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.”
Fans gathered outside the hotel in Buenos Aires after the singer’s death was confirmed
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentinian television that Payne fell into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the city’s Palermo neighbourhood.
He declined to answer further questions about the incident, including the circumstances of the fall.
Authorities are investigating and conducting a postmortem.
As well as his family, many stars have paid tribute to Payne, including former X Factor contestants and presenter Dermot O’Leary.
“The worst news,” O’Leary wrote. “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 was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
Olly Murs, who appeared on the X Factor the year before Payne, said: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his family and of course his son Bear losing a dad.”
A councillor in Payne’s home city of Wolverhampton also paid tribute, promising his “legacy will continue”.
Simon Bennett, leader of the opposition for City of Wolverhampton Council, attended the same school as the One Direction star, St Peter’s Collegiate Academy. “There will be many people touched by this – family and friends foremost are the ones that we sympathise with,” he said. “Fans will be just as upset about this as anybody else.
“A number of years ago one of my council colleagues brought forward an idea to give Liam Payne Freedom of the City – I think that’s something we really need to look into now.”
Fans in Argentina have lit candles and left flowers at the side of the road outside the hotel where Payne died.
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
