One Direction releases statement on death of Liam Payne: ‘We will miss him terribly’

(NEXSTAR) – Liam Payne’s former bandmates in One Direction have shared a statement on the 31-year-old signer’s death, calling him a brother who they “loved dearly.”

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly,” reads a joint statement from Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles, which was shared to Instagram Thursday.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

The message was signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”

Payne died Wednesday in Buenos Aires, after falling from the third story of his hotel room.

The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. On Wednesday, Reuters, citing the local outlet La Nacion , reported that police had been called to the hotel prior to Payne’s death after receiving a report concerning an “aggressive man” believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Pablo Policicchio, the spokesperson for the Security Ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, said the responding police officers arrived to find Payne’s body in the hotel courtyard.

Authorities said Payne did suffer “very serious injuries” in the fall and “there was no possibility of resuscitation.” He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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