Liam Payne's Family Shares First Statement After Former One Direction Singer's Death

Liam Payne died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Argentina on Wednesday, October 16. The news about his death left his family, friends and fans heartbroken. Several ardent fans gathered outside the hotel with candles to pay tribute to the former One Direction singer. Now, the singer's family has reacted to his tragic death and shared that they are left "heartbroken".  He was 31 when he breathed his last.

Liam Payne's family reacts to singer's untimely demise

The Daily Mail at their home in Wolverhampton, UK, reported that Liam's family is “utterly devastated." On hearing the news, the singer's older sisters Nicola and Ruth arrived at the house Thursday morning. “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time,” Liam's family said in a statement to CNN.

What do we know about Liam Payne's death?

Hotel staff at the Casa Sur Hotel in Argentina where Liam was staying called the police Wednesday evening with concerns about a guest who they say was “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol.” Police rushed to the hotel and responded to the call just after 5 p.m. local time and later confirmed they arrived just minutes before the fall. The hotel manager can be heard on a 911 call obtained by The Associated Press saying the guest was “destroying the entire room” and added, "We need you to send someone, please.” The manager’s voice became more anxious as the call went on, noting the room had a balcony. The officials told Liam's injuries caused his death as they were severe.

Post his death, Buenos Aires police visited his room for inspection and found it “in complete disarray.” They saw “various items broken” and recovered packs of clonazepam, a central nervous system depressant, energy supplements and other over-the-counter drugs strewn among his belongings, per AP.