Liam Payne Dead at 31: Celebrities React to Former One Direction Member's Sudden Passing

On Instagram, Charlie Puth uploaded a photo of himself and Liam Payne following the former One Direction member's death on October 16.

The "Light Switch" hitmaker also took to his Instagram Story, writing, “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…"

The next post was a video showing them sharing a laugh. He said in the caption, “I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”

In another story, Puth uploaded a clip from Payne's past SiriusXM interview in which the "Strip That Down" gushed about being friends with him.

Puth added the text, "I am so sorry …"

"d--- this liam payne news got me speechless… looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days. you really never know when it’s your time to go. remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day," said Corbyn Besson on X.

Journalist Dan Wootton, who had interviewed Payne in the past, posted a black-and-white carousel of photos as he called the tragedy "appalling" and a "waste of life."

"Liam Payne was always the most mature member of One Direction in those heady early days," said Wooton. "He was a joy to be around. The music industry is truly evil. My thoughts to his poor family, band mates and fans who will be devastated."

"The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing [Frank] Sinatra. He just loved to sing," Dermot O'Leary captioned his black-and-white photo with Payne.

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

Emery Kelly expressed his gratitude to Payne, saying he "wouldn't even be here" if he did not see him on The X Factor.

"Thank you for inspiring me, the band, all of us throughout the years. God this one hurts," Kelly added.

Anne Twist, Harry Styles' mom, expressed her heartbreak by writing on Instagram, “Just a boy … 💔."

The X Factor alums Jedward posted a statement on X: "Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction Family RIP @LiamPayne."

On X, Jonas Blue uploaded one of the photos he had with Payne, expressing how "beyond sad" he was to hear the news.

"Rest well my friend," he stated.

Rapper Juicy J said on X, "R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can't believe it prayers up for the family 🙏🏿."

In a statement posted on One Direction's official Instagram page, surviving members Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Niall Horan wrote how "completely devastated" they are by the news of Payne's passing.

"In time, and when everyone else 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," said Payne's former bandmates.

They 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."

Aside from a joint message, the former One Direction members also individually spoke out about Payne's death.

In an Instagram post on October 17, Tomlinson said he "lost a brother," calling Payne "somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul."

Tomlinson recalled, "I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for. Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction."

The "Two of Us" singer also thanked Payne for "shaping" them. He ended his post with a heartfelt, direct message to his late pal.

"A message to you Liam if you’re listening,I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be. I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X," he continued.

Malik, for his part, looked back at the time he shared with Payne in a separate Instagram post.

"Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life," he began. "When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were always my friend and that I was loved."

The "Pillowtalk" hitmaker, who left One Direction in 2015, praised Payne for being "more sensible" than him, adding the "Polaroid" singer was "headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f--- about telling people when they were wrong."

"I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to your properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have you in my heart forever. There are no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro," Malik added.

Styles broke his silence after the tragic news of Payne's death, sharing a photo of his former bandmate on his Instagram page.

"I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it," said Styles. "Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend."

He ended his note with a message to Payne's family, writing, "My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him as I did."

Paris Hilton wrote on X, "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺."

Internet personality Taylor Caniff called Payne's death "sad, very very sad."

"He played a roll in all our childhoods. Just doesn't seem real... I'm speechless. Rest Easy," he wrote on X.

Ty Dolla $ign filled his Instagram Stories with posts about Payne, paying tribute to the late musician.

“Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u fr fr sucio (sic),” he wrote alongside a link to Payne's video update in March.

The "CARNIVAL" rapper also uploaded a video and another photo of Payne on his social media page.

Emblem3 member Wesley Stromberg also couldn't "believe the news" about Payne.

"… such a cool talented dude. Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in Paradise 🤍," he said.

Payne's collaborator Zedd, who worked on his 2017 track "Get Low," posted on X, "RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking … 💔."