Liam Payne’s Death Leaves Music World ‘Speechless’: Zedd, Paris Hilton & More React
News of Liam Payne‘s death has left the world stunned, with fans and music industry peers alike quickly flooding the internet with posts mourning the 31-year-old former One Direction star after news of his passing came to light Wednesday (Oct. 16).
First reported by TMZ and confirmed by CNN, Payne died Wednesday evening after suffering a fatal fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, according to Argentinian police. Based on Snapchats Payne posted as recently as an hour before his death was first reported, the musician was there on a trip with his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy.
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In the first moments after the news broke, the overall feeling online was palpable shock. “I can’t believe Liam Payne is really dead like what the f–k,” one fan wrote on X. “I know celebrities die all the time but it just hits so much harder bc that’s like the first major celeb of our generation who we grew up with.”
“why does it feel like we entered into another alternate universe…like wdym liam payne is dead,” tweeted another fan.
Meanwhile, Payne’s peers in the entertainment industry also spoke out. “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing?? Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. ?? RIP my friend??,” tweeted Paris Hilton, while the former boy bander’s “Get Low” collaborator, Zedd, posted: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking …”
“damn this liam payne news got me speechless…,” wrote singer Corbyn Besson on X. “looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days.”
On Instagram Stories, Charlie Puth paid tribute to Payne. “I am in shock right now,” he wrote, sharing a throwback video and photo of him posing with the “Polaroid” singer. “He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…”
Ty Dolla $ign also took to his Story to mourn Payne, sharing videos of the late singer and writing, “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr.”
J Balvin shared a photo of himself with Payne on his Story and wrote of his “Familiar” duet partner, “Rest in peace my g.”
Jade Thirlwall also shared a throwback snap with Payne on her Story and stated, “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry. Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it.’ I hope you are at peace now.”
“Thank you Liam for all the joy you brought my friends and I,” noted Camila Cabello, an X Factor alum like Payne, on her Story. “It really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group I loved and have him be so kind. It’s a tragedy to have him gone way too soon.”
On Tumblr, Halsey penned a heartfelt tribute. “i loved one direction with an all-consuming force when i was younger,” she wrote. “it hurts deeply to mourn someone you were a massive fan of as teenager, and became a peer of as an adult … a few years ago i purchased a home that Liam previously owned. there were rumors the house was haunted. He assured me it was not, and i believed him. because i know the ghosts that haunt us aren’t tethered to buildings. They live in parts of us that are harder to reach and they go wherever we do.”
Payne leaves behind a 7-year-old child, Bear, whom he shared with British singer Cheryl. His music career extended beyond One Direction, with the singer dropping solo music — including Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit “Strip That Down” with Quavo — after the band dissolved in 2016.
See reactions to Liam Payne’s death below.
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