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The family of late musician Liam Payne has released an official statement following his tragic death at the age of 31 years old.
According to reports, Payne died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Argentina. At this time, it is unclear if the fall was accidental or on purpose.
In their statement, Payne’s family expressed their heartbreak and asked for privacy while they grieve.
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Payne’s family said in a statement to PA Media, the national news agency of Ireland and the United Kingdom. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Reports indicate that prior to his death, Payne was acting “erratic” in the CasaSur Palermo Hotel lobby and had to be “carried” back to his room, where he’d later fall to his death around 5 p.m. local time.
According to the Argentinian outlet La Nacion, hotel staff, while calling authorities, said Payne was intoxicated and presumed he was “under the influence of alcohol and drugs.”
“We’re afraid he could do something that threatens his life,” the manager of the hotel said.
Payne first achieved recognition on the British reality competition series The X Factor becoming an international pop star with the band One Direction in 2010.
Our thoughts are with Payne’s friends, family, fans, and various loved ones during this difficult time.