One Direction Breaks Silence 1 Day After Liam Payne’s Death: ‘We Will Miss Him Terribly’

The members of One Direction reunited to issue a statement about the tragic death of alum Liam Payne, who died in a fatal fall from a hotel balcony on Wednesday, October 16.

“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,” Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik — who left the band in 2015 — said in a joint statement posted to One Direction’s social media pages on Thursday, October 17.

“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,” it concluded, signed off on by “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”

Liam was pronounced dead following a fall from a third-story balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he had been staying. He died from fracturing his skull and sustaining “very serious injuries,” In Touch confirmed.

Shortly before the band’s statement dropped, Louis, 32, shared his own tribute to Liam in a moving Instagram post.

“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life,” the “Back to You” singer wrote. “I would have loved to share the stage with you again, but it wasn’t to be.”

Louis said of Liam’s son Bear, whom he shared with ex-girlfriend Cheryl, “I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me, I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.”

Just after Louis’ tribute went up, Zayn, 31, shared his own personal thoughts about Liam.

The “Pillowtalk” singer spoke of his former bandmate’s talent, writing, “When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison I was a novice child with no experience, and you were already a professional. I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.”

“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” Zayn continued. “I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.”

One Direction formed in 2010 when all five members individually tried out for The X Factor UK. Judge Simon Cowell put the competitors together in a group. Although they didn’t win the top prize, One Direction went on to become one of the most successful boy bands in music history.

The group released five studio albums and went on four world tours during their time together, including two all-stadium tours. After Zayn announced he was leaving the band in March 2015, the group continued as a foursome but announced in August 2015 that they would be going on hiatus the following year to pursue solo projects.

The band never ended up reuniting, with their final performance happening on December 13, 2015, during the live finale of The X Factor UK, the show that launched their careers.