By Danielle Broadway, Reuters
(From left) Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Harry Styles attend the New York premiere of "One Direction: This Is Us" at the Ziegfeld Theater on August 26, 2013 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images/AFP
Liam Payne's One Direction bandmates say they are "completely devastated" by the news of his death.
Payne, who shot to global fame with boy band One Direction, died at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, triggering an outpouring of tributes from fans around the world.
In a joint statement signed by singers Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan, they said: "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."
They also said that the memories they shared with him would 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," the statement concluded.
Malik also posted on Instagram about the late singer, along with a photo of them dozing off next to each other.
"I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give just to give you a hug one last time," he wrote.
Auditions for Britain's Got Talent in Blackpool, England, were postponed on Thursday "due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne," Applause Store, the ticket provider for the show, said in an Instagram story
-Reuters
