Harry Styles' mom has paid tribute to Liam Payne after it was announced that the One Direction star had died.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Wednesday (October 16), with reports stating that the former boy band member had died after falling from a third-floor balcony in his room at the Hotel CasaSur in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
According to the BBC, local authorities were called to the venue for a disturbance caused by a guest who was described as an "aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol."
The manager, who was the one to make the call, reportedly told the operator that the guest "has a balcony, and we are afraid they might do something to put their life at risk."
Just as the police arrived, there was allegedly a loud thud in the interior courtyard and Payne's body was discovered shortly after.
It was reported that the 'Strip That Down' singer had suffered "very serious" injuries as a result of the fall and, although he was transported to a nearby hospital, there was "no possibility of resuscitation."
Local authorities have launched a full investigation and autopsy into the singer’s passing.
In the wake of the harrowing news, tributes have been pouring in for the late star including from his bandmate Harry Styles' mom, Anne Twist, who the 31-year-old was close to while he was in One Direction.
"Just a boy...", Twist wrote on Instagram alongside a heartbreak emoji.
Other tributes also flowed in.
Waliyha Malik, the sister of Payne’s ex-band mate Zayn Malik, shared a picture of her with Payne adding on X: "I can’t believe it, I honestly have no words for this sad moment... I really can’t believe it."
X Factor host Dermot O’Leary posted a black-and-white photograph of himself with Payne during the filming of the show.
"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 wrote. "He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family."
Lou Teasdale, One Direction’s former hairdresser, posted on X: “Sending you all so much love.”
Boyzone singer Mikey Graham also wrote on X: “Rip Liam Payne. Such tragic news. I think it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists on their books from now on in his memory as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talent. Fame can be very damaging especially in today’s world. Lots of money. Nobody to help. Lots of yes people. Nobody honest.”
Music producer Zedd, who worked with Payne on the song 'Get Low' described the news as "heartbreaking" writing: “RIP Liam... I can’t believe this is real... absolutely heartbreaking.”
He also added: "Life is short and fragile… You never know what people are going through. We live in times where being rude, divisive and mean is normal; sometimes even celebrated. It doesn’t have to be this way. We should do our best to be kind, supportive and mindful."
Fifty Shades of Grey author E L James said: “I am heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. I can barely believe it. Sincere condolences to his family.”
Liam performed the hit 'For You' with singer Rita Ora for the third and final installment of the franchise.
Our thoughts are with Payne's loved ones, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time.
