Dermot O’Leary leads tributes to Liam Payne after tragic death

Dermot O’Leary has led the tributes to his friend Liam Payne following the former One Direction star’s tragic death. The devastated broadcaster wrote, “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.” Liam, aged 31, was found dead yesterday after allegedly falling from his room at the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Dermot wrote, “The worst news. 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. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family.”

American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, age 32, expressed his shock on Instagram, posting, “I cannot believe he is gone.” Alongside a throwback picture of the two of them together, Puth wrote, “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”

Dermot O’Leary, former ‘The X Factor’ presenter, shared a throwback photo of himself and Payne on the show where One Direction got their start in 2010. “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He… pic.twitter.com/ArBZWX3dkO

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 17, 2024

Emergency services were present outside the hotel where Liam was staying, and a red tent has been set up at the scene. Investigations into his death are ongoing. Fellow former X Factor contestants Jedward expressed their condolences to his friends and family. The Irish duo wrote, “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One Direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”

German DJ Anton Zaslavski, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit “Get Low,” wrote on X, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…” Boyzone member Mikey Graham described the news as “such tragic news.” Dragons’ Den star Stephen Bartlett shared his disbelief, calling it “absolutely heartbreaking.”

American media personality Paris Hilton said, “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.” TV star Martin Lewis commented on how it felt like a “gut punch,” writing, “Shocking and tragic. Rip. I don’t know him, but this felt like a gut punch reading this about such a young man. Thoughts with his loved ones.”

American rapper and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Flavor Flav simply stated, “RIP to Liam Payne… much too young.” Liam was in Argentina to see his friend and former bandmate Niall Horan in concert. He had told fans he wanted to “square up a couple of things” with him. Days before his death, a video showed him singing and dancing at Niall’s gig, appearing in high spirits as he embraced his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

Earlier this month, Liam announced he and Kate were flying to Argentina partly to see Niall Horan perform. He admitted, “It’s been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We’ve got a lot to talk about and I would like to square up a couple things with the boy. No bad vibes or nothing like that but we just need to talk.”

He shared moments from the concert on Snapchat, captioning one snap with Niall, “Reunited.” He posted several videos of himself and Kate partying in a box, expressing his excitement with captions like, “We’re here 😊.” During the concert, Liam shared videos of Niall’s performance, writing, “So happy I got to see Niall in concert ❤️.” He also enjoyed Niall’s solo performance of One Direction’s 2014 hit “Stockholm Syndrome.”

City ambulance service spokesman Alberto Crescenti last night said Mr Payne had fallen around 40 metres, suffering “severe injuries which were incompatible with life.” He explained, “The alarm was raised at 5.04 pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur. At 5.11 pm an ambulance arrived, and the man was certified dead. Afterwards, we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately, the injuries he suffered as a result of the fall proved fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him.”

Tributes continue to pour in online, with Jedward, Paris Hilton, and Stephen Bartlett among those expressing their sorrow. MTV released a tribute stating, “We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans.”