When fans asked for a One Direction reunion, this wasn’t what they had in mind.
As music mourns the death of Liam Payne, the people who knew him best were among the first to share their grief.
Although they had not been in a band together for nearly 10 years, the other members of One Direction came together to issue a joint statement on the death of their friend and bandmate.
Prepare yourself. it’s gonna hurt.
One Direction mourn Liam Payne
Following Liam’s death on Wednesday, October 16, the former members of the beloved former pop boy band — yes, including Zayn — shared a joint statement sharing their grief.
“We are completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. Over time, and when everyone is able, there will be more to say. But right now, we will take some time to grieve and grieve the loss of our brother, who we loved so much,” One Direction wrote in a group statement.
“The memories we shared with them will be cherished forever,” the group said. “Right now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him along with us. We will miss him dearly.”
The tribute ended with a signature from all his bandmates.
“We love you, Liam – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
Liam’s legacy with the band
Despite admitting that boy band life took a toll on him, Liam stuck with the group until the bitter end.
He remained with the group even after Zayn decided to leave in March 2015.
“I want to apologize to the fans if I let anyone down, but I have to do what I feel is right in my heart,” Zayn said in a statement at the time.
“I’m leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who can relax and spend some private time away from the spotlight. I know that I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. And I know they will remain the best band in the world.”
Shortly after Zayn’s departure, the guys decided to go on “hiatus” as One Direction, and promised fans that they would reunite when the time was right.
That time never came.
For the past 9 years, each man has done his own thing, building his own solo career. In fact, the whole reason Liam was in Argentina was to see Niall perform on tour.
Latest on his death
Details began emerging almost immediately after the news of Liam’s tragic death was confirmed.
A 911 call made by the receptionist at the Casasur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina informed police that Liam’s life was “in danger”.
The hotel alleged that Liam was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was littering his room at the time of the incident.
It is unclear whether Liam’s fall from the balcony that resulted in his death was accidental or intentional.
However, according to the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office in Argentina, his cause of death was revealed to be “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage.”