The band shared a joint statement to Instagram revealing they are “completely devastated” following Payne’s death at 31 on Wednesday, Oct. 16
One Direction has broken its silence following the untimely death of Liam Payne.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, the surviving band members — Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan — shared a joint statement on Instagram that said they are processing “the loss of our brother.”
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” it began. “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.”
The statement continued: “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. Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Payne was pronounced dead after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE. Argentine news channel TN was first to report the news.
In a statement translated from Spanish, Alberto Crescenti (the head of SAME, Buenos Aires’ public emergency medical services system) told TN that the British singer fell into the hotel’s internal courtyard.
Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear Grey, with his ex, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.
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