One Direction have put out a statement following the death of their former bandmate Liam Payne, saying they are “completely devastated”.
In the statement, signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, the four stars say: “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.
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(L-R) Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction in Toronto in 2012. Pic: AP
“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.”
Payne, 31, died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires.
The singer suffered “extremely serious injuries” after falling into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the city’s Palermo neighbourhood on Wednesday.
On his Instagram page, Louis Tomlinson said he had “lost a brother”.
Calling the singer “an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody”, he said they “got even closer since the band” and offered to be an uncle to Payne’s son, Bear if he “ever needs me”.
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Payne posted on social media in hours before death
He ended his post by writing: “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”.
Zayn Malik posted simply “Love You Bro”, along with a picture of the two of them asleep together, seemingly in a vehicle.
Tributes from the entertainment industry have been pouring in for Payne since news of the tragedy emerged.
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