⁠“We will never forget your presence in our lives” — 5 Seconds of Summer members are “heartbroken” over Liam Payne’s death as they pen a tribute

All 9 members of 5 Seconds of Summer and One Direction (Image via Instagram/@5sos)
All 9 members of 5 Seconds of Summer and One Direction (Image via Instagram/@5sos)

5 Seconds of Summer, the band, penned a heartfelt message to the late Liam Payne in an Instagram story. Payne, the One Direction alum, passed away on October 16 after plunging to his death from the third floor of his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The post from the band, comprising Michael Clifford, 28, Luke Hemmings, 28, Ashton Irwin, 30, and Calum Hood, 28, was also accompanied by an image of all of the members of the One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer bands, posing for the camera while backstage at a concert.


5 Seconds of Summer issues a statement thanking Liam Payne for believing in them

5 Seconds of Summer's statement on Instagram (Image via Instagram/@5sos)
5 Seconds of Summer's statement on Instagram (Image via Instagram/@5sos)

The Instagram story from 5SOS read:

"We love you, Liam, and we will never forget the influence you had on our lives. You truly believed in us and for that we are forever grateful. We don't know if we thanked you enough. You were always so kind to us. It was an honor to begin our journey with you, we will never forget your presence in our lives."

The bandmembers continued, reflecting on his personality:

"There was such a bright light in you, we always saw that. We are so devastated that this world put that light out. We hope you'll always be singing up there. With all of our love, Calum, Ashton, Luke, and Michael."

5 Seconds of Summer was first propelled to fame when One Direction member Louis Tomlinson caught wind of their music prowess on YouTube. Not long after that, the Australian pop band invited them to open for their Take Me Home Tour in 2013. They opened for the band the following year during their Where We Are Tour in the USA, Canada, U.K., and Europe.


Harry, Niall, Louis, and Zayn issue a joint statement on Liam's passing

The surviving members of One Direction took to Instagram to acknowledge their bandmate's passing. A joint statement issued read:

"We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. 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."

The statement continued:

"The memories we shared with him will 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."

Liam Payne leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear Payne, whom he shares with ex Cheryl Cole.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni