Liam Payne's Family Members Speak Out Following His Tragic Death

Liam Payne's family have broken their silence following his untimely death in Argentina on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

An unnamed member of his family spoke with the Daily Mail from Payne's family home—presumably where his parents, Karen and Geoff , live and where his older sisters, Nicola and Ruth , arrived early on Thursday, Oct. 17, the day after his unexpected death. They told the outlet, "We are utterly devastated by the news."

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In a statement issued to the BBC on behalf of the whole family, they elaborated, "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul."

They continued, "We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

Payne is also survived by his son, Bear , and girlfriend, Kate Cassidy . Neither Cassidy nor Bear's mother, Cheryl Cole , have addressed his death.

One Direction's drummer Josh Devine was the first member of the band to issue a statement , sharing, “Some of my fav memories in life were because of this man. No words. 💔,” as he prayed for Payne's family.

Simon Cowell , who formed the band that skyrocketed the musician to superstardom in the 2010s, hasn't spoken out in the wake of Payne's death, either, although he did make last-minute changes to his schedule .

Katie Waissel , who competed against Payne and the rest of One Direction on The X Factor , wrote a poignant tribute to her "dear friend" on social media, simultaneously issuing a scathing message to Cowell and other higher-ups in the music industry about their negative impacts on young performers.

"There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people," she wrote. "This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss."

Next: Liam Payne Fans Slam Media Outlet for Publishing "Beyond Vile" Photos Following His Untimely Death