Remembering Liam Payne: A Look Back At His Life And Legacy, From One Direction To Solo Stardom

By Allison Kong on 17 Oct 2024

The entertainment world is in shock of the passing of Liam Payne, the beloved former One Direction member. Payne, 31, passed away after a tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Liam Payne (@liampayne)

Rising to fame in 2010 as part of One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson, Payne became a global sensation. The band dominated the charts and built a massive fanbase. After their hiatus in 2015, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing LP1 in 2019.

Just weeks before his passing, Payne attended a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan, sparking excitement about a possible reconnection with his musical roots. He leaves behind his son, Bear, who was the light of his life.

Charlie Puth, Ty Dolla $ign, Zedd, and Paris Hilton Pay Tribute to Liam Payne

Fellow singer Charlie Puth took to his Instagram story and feed to pay his tribute to Payne. "I am in shock right now," Puth wrote on his Instagram story. "Liam was always so kind to me." "He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone...," he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlie Puth (@charlieputh)

Ty Dolla $ign expressed his grief on Instagram Stories, posting photos and videos of Payne. "Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy," he wrote. "Ima miss u frfr sucio."

Photo from @tydollasign via Instagram

Paris Hilton shared her sadness on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."

So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺

— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024

German DJ Zedd, who teamed up with Payne on their 2017 hit “Get Low,” took to X as well, saying, "Can’t believe this is real." He added, "Absolutely heartbreaking."

RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…
absolutely heartbreaking … 💔

— Zedd (@Zedd) October 16, 2024

Just an hour before the new broke, Payne had been posting now-deleted Snapchat Stories from his Buenos Aires trip with his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy. In one selfie-style video taken at the hotel’s breakfast table, he looked relaxed and cheerful, saying, "Lovely day in Argentina." He playfully teased Kate for leaving her hat on the table, chuckling as he jokingly muttered, "Children."