One Direction has spoken out for the first time following the tragic passing of their former bandmate Liam Payne.

The former members of One Direction—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik—have expressed their sorrow for the first time since the tragic passing of their bandmate Liam Payne. In a heartfelt joint statement released on Thursday, they shared their grief, love, and respect for Payne, who died at the age of 31. The members, who formed one of the most successful boy bands in modern history, emphasized Payne's profound influence on their lives and careers, and their tributes painted a picture of a man who was not only a talented musician but also a cherished friend.

Harry Styles expressed his devastation in a deeply emotional post, reflecting on Payne’s generous spirit and joy in making others happy. He described Liam as a man who "lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve" and remembered their shared years together as some of the most precious of his life. Styles emphasized the infectious energy and warmth that Payne brought into every room he entered. He extended his condolences to Payne’s family, especially his son Bear, who Styles acknowledged would miss his father dearly. Styles’s tribute revealed the personal bond the two shared, making the loss even more significant for him.

Louis Tomlinson also opened up about his heartbreak over Payne’s death. Calling him "my boy, one of my best friends, my brother," Tomlinson remembered Payne as an incredibly talented performer and songwriter who had been a vital part of One Direction. He reminisced about their conversations, where they often talked about the possibility of working together again, showcasing how much Tomlinson admired Payne’s abilities. Tomlinson spoke of his deep struggle with the idea of saying goodbye to someone he considered family, offering his support to Bear and vowing to always be there for him. His emotional tribute underlined the close bond the two had shared over the years.

Zayn Malik, another former bandmate, expressed his sorrow by recalling Payne's unwavering support during some of the most challenging times in his life. He remembered how Payne's positivity and reassuring presence helped him cope with the struggles of being away from home as a 17-year-old. Malik’s tribute honored Payne’s leadership qualities and his role as a guiding force in the early days of One Direction, praising his musical talents and the impact he had on the group’s journey. Malik lamented that he never got the chance to properly thank Payne or say goodbye, reflecting a deep sense of loss and regret over their sudden separation.

Liam Payne tragically passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday after a fall from the balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel. Local authorities reported that Payne suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Buenos Aires Security Ministry later revealed that police had been called to the hotel earlier in response to reports of an "aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol." Although Payne’s death has been classified as a "doubtful death," there were no immediate signs of foul play, and it appeared that he had been alone at the time of the incident. An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was "polytrauma, internal and external hemorrhage," leading to further investigations.

In the days leading up to his death, Payne had been spotted attending Horan’s concert in South America, and his sudden passing shocked both fans and his colleagues. His family, devastated by the loss, released a statement expressing their grief and asking for privacy. Payne’s parents, Karen and Geoff, shared that their son "will forever live in our hearts," remembering him for his kind, funny, and brave spirit. They reflected on the close-knit family support they were providing each other as they tried to come to terms with their loss.

Liam Payne was a foundational member of One Direction, a group formed during the UK’s X-Factor competition in 2010, which quickly rose to global stardom. With chart-topping hits like "What Makes You Beautiful," "Story of My Life," and "Little Things," the band became one of the best-selling boy bands in history. The group released five studio albums and embarked on multiple world tours before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. After the band split, Payne launched a successful solo career, signing with Capitol Records UK and releasing his debut single "Strip That Down" in 2017, which received critical and commercial success.

Payne’s death has left an indelible mark on fans, colleagues, and the music world. The tributes from his former bandmates shed light on the personal relationships they had shared, showcasing the deep bond and admiration they had for Payne. While the world remembers Liam Payne as a talented artist who helped shape One Direction’s success, those closest to him are mourning the loss of a beloved friend and family member. His legacy will live on through his music, his impact on the global music scene, and the many lives he touched throughout his career.