Liam Payne death latest: Harry Styles says he’s ‘truly devastated’ in tribute as authorities prepare autopsy

One Direction star Liam Payne has died suddenly aged 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Local authorities have said they will conduct an autopsy and investigate the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death .

Payne’s family said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

In a joint statement signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry” , Payne’s One Direction bandmates 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.”

Payne rose to fame while competing on season five of The X Factor in 2010, when he was placed in the band One Direction along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.

They went on to become one of the world’s most successful boybands , selling 70 million records and performing in stadiums around the world.