The family of Liam Payne have spoken out after the singer’s tragic death, sharing that they are “utterly devastated”.
READ MORE: Liam Payne 1993-2004: One Direction star who helped spark a pop phenomenon
The former One Direction member tragically died last night (October 16) aged 31, after reportedly falling from the third floor of an Argentine hotel. CNN has since confirmed the British singer’s death via a statement from local authorities.
The ‘Little Things’ singer was raised in Wolverhampton by his mother Karen – a nurse – and father Geoff – a fitter. According to reports, Payne’s older sisters, Nicola and Ruth, arrived to their family home in Codsall early this morning (October 17).
Speaking from their home in Wolverhampton, one of Payne’s family members told MailOnline: “We are utterly devastated by the news.”
Liam Payne performs at Hits Radio Live 2019 at Manchester Arena on November 17, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carla Speight/Getty Images for Bauer Media)
In a later statement issued by a family spokeswoman (as per The Telegraph), the late singer’s family added: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
News of Payne’s death was broken by local newspaper La Nacion, who claimed he fell from the third floor of an Argentinian hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood. SAME, the Argentine emergency medical service, told Rolling Stone Payne fell from a height of “about 13 or 14 meters,” and that he “suffered severe injuries incompatible with life.”
Since then, a wave of tributes have flooded in for the singer, with former bandmate Harry Styles’ mother writing “just a boy…” on social media.
Meanwhile Zayn Malik’s sister Waliyha shared an old picture of herself with Liam, writing: “I can’t believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment… I really can’t believe it”.
Liam Gallagher also commented on Payne’s passing, tweeting: “life is precious”, before confirming he had heard the news of the singer’s untimely death: “I have it’s very sad.”
Meanwhile, fellow X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson has spoken out against the “exploitation and profiteering of young stars” in her tribute to Payne.
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