Harry Styles’ mother, Anne Twist, shared an emotional tribute to the late Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, following the tragic news of his death. Payne, who rose to international fame alongside Styles in the early 2010s as part of the British boy band, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, at the age of 31. His death came after a fatal fall from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Authorities in Buenos Aires confirmed the news late Wednesday night. According to a statement from local police, Payne fell from the hotel’s balcony and was pronounced dead shortly after. The police received an emergency call about an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol” before the tragic incident unfolded. Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system in Argentina, told reporters that Payne was found in the hotel’s courtyard after falling from a significant height, estimated at around 40 meters.
Crescenti explained, “The alarm was raised at 5:04 PM local time, saying a person was lying in an internal patio at the CasaSur hotel. At 5:11 PM, an ambulance arrived, and the man was certified dead at the scene. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained as a result of the fall were incompatible with life, and there was no possibility of resuscitating him.” Crescenti added that the injuries Payne suffered from the fall were severe, leaving no chance for survival.
The devastating news of Payne’s death sent shockwaves throughout the world, especially among fans of One Direction. Payne had been in Buenos Aires reportedly to attend the concert of his former bandmate Niall Horan, who was performing in the Argentinian capital just days before the tragic incident. Fans gathered outside the CasaSur Palermo Hotel shortly after Payne’s death was announced, laying flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in his memory.
Tributes to Payne quickly began pouring in from around the globe, with fans, fellow musicians, and celebrities expressing their sorrow over the loss of the talented singer. Among those paying tribute was Anne Twist, Harry Styles’ mother, who took to Instagram to share her grief. Posting a black screen with a broken heart emoji, she captioned the post with a simple, yet poignant, message: “Just a boy…” followed by another broken heart emoji. Her 2.5 million followers shared their condolences in the comments, offering words of support and solidarity during this difficult time.
Payne, along with Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson, formed the global sensation One Direction after competing on the UK reality show *The X Factor* in 2010. Though the group did not win the competition, they quickly became one of the biggest boy bands in the world, selling millions of albums and embarking on several sold-out world tours. Payne’s vocal talents and charismatic stage presence made him a beloved figure among the band’s loyal fanbase.
As news of his untimely death spread, former colleagues and fellow celebrities shared their condolences on social media. The official account of the Brit Awards posted a heartfelt message: “We’re incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this time.”
Former *X Factor* contestants Jedward, who had known Payne during his rise to fame, also expressed their sadness, writing, “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.” Paris Hilton joined the chorus of tributes, tweeting: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
Charlie Puth, who worked with Payne on the 2017 hit single “Bedroom Floor,” shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram, reflecting on their time working together. “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone,” Puth wrote.
Payne’s tragic passing has also led to the resurfacing of some of his most iconic moments, including his first *X Factor* audition tape, which has been circulating on social media. Fans have been sharing clips of a young Payne auditioning for the judges, a moment that would set him on the path to global stardom. The video serves as a bittersweet reminder of his immense talent and the bright future that lay ahead for the young singer.
In another heartbreaking twist, a video of Payne attending Horan’s concert with his girlfriend just days before his death has also emerged, showing the star enjoying his former bandmate’s performance, smiling and dancing alongside other concertgoers. The video has left fans reflecting on the fragility of life and how quickly things can change.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death, many are left mourning the loss of a beloved singer whose contributions to pop music and One Direction’s legacy will not be forgotten. While Payne’s passing is a profound loss for the music community, the outpouring of love and support from fans and peers alike is a testament to the impact he had on those around him, both personally and professionally.
With tributes continuing to flood in, Liam Payne’s legacy as a talented musician and a kind-hearted individual will be remembered for years to come.