Harry Styles has spoken out following the tragic news of his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne’s death in Argentina on Oct. 16.
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” Styles, 30, posted on Instagram on Thursday, Oct. 17. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.”
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 a preliminary autopsy report, Payne died from multiple injuries and “internal and external” hemorrhages, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE.
The coroners confirmed to PEOPLE that 25 injuries in the autopsy were “compatible with those caused by a fall from a height” and noted that “the head injuries were sufficient to cause death,” while the “internal and external hemorrhages” of the skull, thorax, abdomen and limbs contributed to Payne’s death.
Hours before Styles shared his tribute on Instagram, he and his fellow band mates — Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson — released a joint statement mourning their loss.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the statement 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 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 was formed during U.K. reality competition seriesThe X-Factor in 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 released his 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’s reflections on his time in One Direction have been varied, but he said in 2018 that 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.”
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