“Just A Boy”: Tributes Pour In For One Direction Star Liam Payne

Police in Buenos Aires said a preliminary autopsy suggested the One Direction star died from external and internal bleeding injuries. They said the area where Payne fell had been inspected and items including alcohol and a phone had been discovered. Medication was found in his room.

“Liam often spoke openly about mental health and his own personal struggles”

His family have said they are “heartbroken” as they paid tribute to a “kind, funny and brave soul”, after his untimely death.

“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time,” they said.

“Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world”

Former bandmate Louis Tomlinson posted to social media, writing of his devastation for the loss of a “brother”. He said: “Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.”

“And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”

He went on to add: “I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well.”

Another former bandmate Zayn Malik posted to Instagram, saying: “I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.”

“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.”

Harry Styles also wrote a tribute: “He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”

Niall Horan, who was the last bandmate to see Payne before his passing, described him as having “an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious“, adding: “I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.”

The official One Direction account also posted, the words for which were credited to Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, saying: “The memories we shared will be treasured forever.”

Tributes from across the globe

Since his passing, tributes have appeared from all corners. Former bandmate Harry Styles’ mother Anne Twist paid tribute, posting a broken-hearted emoji on Instagram, captioning it: “Just a boy…”

The X Factor, the show in which One Direction was formed, have released a statement saying: “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as one part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.”

“Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”

Simon Cowell, the judge who formed One Direction, has also released a statement on Instagram “I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”

“I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.”

Cheryl Cole, his ex-girlfriend, has shared a tribute to Liam, whom she shares a seven-year-old son with, “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”

“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”