One Direction release heartbreaking statement after Liam Payne's shock death at the age of 31

One Direction are heartbroken after confirming the sad passing of their friend and former bandmate Liam Payne.

The grief-stricken group said: "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.

"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."

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It was signed, "Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry."

Sadly, Liam checked into a Buenos Aires hotel on Sunday and later died when he fell from the third floor on Wednesday.

A manager discovered Liam's body following a disconcerting noise reverberating through an inside courtyard at the Hotel Casa Sur. Spokesman for the city ambulance provider, Alberto Crescenti, described the incident stating that the pop sensation plunged around 40 metres and sustained "severe injuries which were incompatible with life."

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Law enforcement is piecing together the events that led up to what's either considered a frightful accident or something more sinister.

Argentine newspapers La Nacion and Clarin both have indicated that police response initially centred on reports of "an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol."

Subsequent to the fall, emergency services, including police, firefighters, and ambulances, converged outside the hotel where Liam's life slipped away tragically. Describing the scene, an ambulance boss shared with TN: "At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel."

"At 17.11 a SAME team arrived and verified the death of this man and later we found out that he was a singer in a musical group. Unfortunately, he had injuries that were incompatible with life, as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death, there was no possibility of resuscitation."

Liam was dad to Bear Grey Payne with ex Cheryl, who the former couple welcomed on March 22 2017. Liam has been romantically linked to influencer Kate Cassidy since October 2022.

In recent weeks, Liam has been sharing his adventures in Argentina and even went to see his old bandmate Niall perform. The star was just 16 years old when he shot to fame and joined what would become the world's biggest boyband.

Liam found international success with the legends of pop alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan , Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. The lads skyrocketed to global stardom after their stint on X Factor in 2010, becoming a worldwide sensation before going their separate ways in 2016.

Liam's last upload on Instagram was a touching tribute; a snapshot of the band in their prime with filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, who directed their 2013 movie 'This Is Us'. Alongside the snap, Liam penned: "Rest in peace Morgan Spurlock it was a pleasure working with you."