Harry Styles' 'Heart Breaks' Following Liam Payne's Shocking Death: 'I Will Miss Him Always, My Lovely Friend'

Mar. 15, 2025

Liam Payne; Harry Styles.Photo:Dave Benett/Getty; GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty

Dave Benett/Getty; GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty

Harry Styleshas spoken out following the tragic news of his formerOne Direction bandmateLiam Payne’sdeath in Argentinaon Oct. 16.

Styles added, “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. 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.”

The “As It Was” singer ended his note sending love to Payne’s family, writing: “My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him as I did.”

Payne, 31, died after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE.

According to apreliminary autopsy report, Payne died from multiple injuries and “internal and external” hemorrhages, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE.

Hours before Styles shared his tribute on Instagram, he and his fellow band mates —Zayn Malik,Niall HoranandLouis Tomlinson—released a joint statementmourning their loss.

The statement ended: “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.”

One Direction in 2012.Sam Ruttyn/Newspix/Getty

Sam Ruttyn/Newspix/Getty

One Direction was formed during U.K. reality competition seriesThe X-Factorin 2010, when judges teamed up solo contestants Payne, Styles, Malik, Horan and Tomlinson. The group did not win that season — but that didn’t stop them from becoming one of the best-selling boy bands in history.

They went on to release five studio albums before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 — a year after Malik left the band. All five members launched solo careers, with Payne’s biggest hit coming in 2017: “Strip That Down.” Earlier in 2024, Payne releasedhis first-new single in three years, “Teardrops.”

Styles' own solo career has been very successful — he’s won three Grammy Awards, including album of the year for “Harry’s House.”

Payne’sreflections on his time in One Direction have been varied, buthe said in 2018that he still loved to perform the band’s songs, despite moving on. At the time, Payne said, “I’ll never forget where I came from. That’s why I love singing the 1D songs when I’m out and about. It’s quite nostalgic for me.”

source: people.com