Liam Payne’s family pay tribute to star after tragic death aged 31

Liam Payne’s family has shared a heartbreaking tribute to the late singer, following the news of his death in Argentina.

Last night (16 October) authorities in Argentina confirmed that Payne, 31, had died after falling from a balcony at his hotel in the capital of Buenos Aires where he had been staying.

Early reports stated that police had been called to the CasaSur Hotel following reports of an ‘aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol’.

Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state emergency medical system, would later confirm that Payne had fallen around 40 metres and suffered ‘severe injuries which were incompatible with life’.

Liam Payne has died at the age of 31 after falling from a balcony in Argentina (Kate Green/Getty Images)

Payne’s family have no issued a heartbreaking public tribute in the wake of his death, which reads: “We are heartbroken. 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.”

The singer rose to international fame after taking part in ITV singing series X Factor, being paired into the group One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.

One Direction would go on to achieve immense global success after placing third in the series, going on to sell over 70 million records worldwide thanks to hits such as ‘That’s What Makes You Beautiful’, ‘Night Changes’ and ‘Best Song Ever’.

Following the split of One Direction, Payne would go on to embark on a solo career and collaborated with artists such as Quavo, Zedd and Rita Ora on his music.

Liam’s parents Karen and Geoff Payne (Instagram/@misskarenpayne)

Outside of the music industry, Payne would go on to embark on a romantic relationship with Cheryl Tweedy (formally Cole) in 2016, the pair would go on to welcome a son together the following year before splitting up in 2018.

Meanwhile Payne’s family touching family tradition has since resurfaced online in the wake of his passing, in which the family would keep a cardboard cut out of him in the living room during the early days of One Direction.

“We miss him,” his mum Karen said in the band’s film This Is Us back in 2023.

“He left home my little boy and became the boy in a magazine. If I have this I can still see him every day. When I see him on stage I absolutely burst with pride, but we do miss him so much.”

Featured Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images / Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage