Liam Payne is being remembered by his celebrity friends and fans after the One Direction singer died falling from a balcony in Argentina. Many from all over the world have shared their sadness after the news broke.
Aged 31, the singer’s life was cut short on Wednesday evening at around 5pm. Police were called to the scene after reports of an “aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol”. Hundreds of fans have gathered outside of Casa Sur hotel, in Buenos Aires where they have lit candles in his memory and played his music.
Former bandmate Harry Styles’ mum Anne Twist led the tributes to Payne with three words that said: “Just a boy…”
His girlfriend Kate Cassidy, his ex Cheryl Cole, his ex Maya Henry, as well as his former One Direction bandmates Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles are yet to break their silence. Henry is said to be in “shock” about the news, according to The Daily Mail.
Social media was awash with tributes from celebrities and fans who shared emotional tributes to the late star following the news that broke on Wednesday evening.
Tributes for Liam Payne
Presenter Dermot O’Leary wrote: “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx.”
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SAS Who Dares Wins star Ant Middleton said: “After we filmed Straight Talking With Ant Middleton, he was my first celebrity guest and we formed a brotherhood. He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, I’d go around and see him.
“There were some issues there, but nothing that a young celebrity at his calibre wouldn’t suffer from. I’m just shocked at the moment, wow, don’t really know what to say.”
Spotify said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Liam Payne’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many fans who loved and supported him.”
Former One Direction hairstylist Lou Teasdale said: “Sending you all so much love to you all.”
Singer Charlie Puth wrote: “Liam was always so kind to me… He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone… I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Max George, from The Wanted, said: “Over the last few years I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and spent some treasured time with him,” he said on Instagram.
“Liam was absolutely wonderful in terms of support when Tom (Parker) fell ill, performing at the Royal Albert Hall with us for Stand Up To Cancer. He supported me a lot personally after Tom passed. I will never forget that.”
Former The Xtra Factor presenter Konnie Huq told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I actually found out last night (about his death), but ‘just a boy’ is so right, because really all he’s known in his adult, and pre-adult life as well to some extent, is being in the limelight, and, you know, thrust into this position of global fame, not just sort of being known in your own country, but everywhere, essentially.”
She added: “But I do remember we had Justin Bieber on the show, and Liam sort of had the same hairstyle, bore a striking resemblance, and so we got him to come on the show. He was really embarrassed to meet Justin.
“And then afterwards, I was like ‘You will be as big as him one day’ and he was actually kind of self-deprecating, it was quite mature of Liam, of the boys, and, you know, he absolutely did get to that level, but it’s a lot for young people to take on.
“Your brain doesn’t actually fully mature till you’re 25 and if you think he’s, you know… over 10 years before that his journey had already started, and now, with social media and the amount of news channels, you can’t escape that sort of pressure and that level of fame, which I think makes it tougher.
“We’ve always had stories of sort of massive stars dying young, but I feel that the pressure in general is more in modern living.”
