Liam Payne's 'devastated' family breaks silence after his death at 31, calls him 'a brave soul'

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: Liam Payne's family has issued a heartbreaking statement after singer has tragically died at the age of 31.

According to the Policia Federal Argentina, Payne died after falling several stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 16.

Liam Payne's family's statement

In the statement released following Payne's death, his family said, "Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul."

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time," they added.

A relative close to the Payne family shared that the family is "devastated" by this tragic turn of events, according to The Sun.

Payne leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with his ex-partner, singer Cheryl.

Liam Payne's tragic accident in Buenos Aires

Emergency responders confirmed Liam Payne's death at the scene at the hotel, and an investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Local authorities have stated that an autopsy will be performed as part of the ongoing investigation into the singer's death.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the Buenos Aires SAME emergency services, informed local outlet TN that Payne fell into the hotel’s internal courtyard, though the exact details of how the accident occurred still remain unclear.

Since early October, Payne had been in Buenos Aires, where he was seen attending a concert by his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan at the Movistar Arena with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy.

This visit marked the 'Teardrops' singer's first public appearance in Argentina in several years, according to People.

Tributes pour in as loved ones remember Liam Payne's life

Following Liam Payne's death, many tributes poured in from his friends and celebrities.

Among those paying tribute was Anne Twist, mother of fellow One Direction member Harry Styles, who shared a heart-wrenching post on Instagram with a red broken-heart emoji on a black background, simply writing, "Just a boy …  ."

Additionally, stars from The X Factor, where Payne first rose to fame, took to social media to honor his memory.

Dermot O'Leary, the longtime host of the show, posted a black-and-white photo of Payne from his time on the show and shared fond memories of the singer.

"I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing," O'Leary wrote.

"He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family," read the tribute.

Charlie Puth took to Instagram to share a video of him and Payne and wrote, "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. I'm so upset right now. May he rest in peace. I am so sorry," he added.