Liam Payne, former One Direction star, died Wednesday. Here’s how stars are reacting

Liam Payne, a former member of British boy band One Direction, died on Wednesday, reports CNN. He was 31.
“Liam James Payne, composer and guitarist, former member of the band One Direction, died today after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo,” a police statement said, per the Buenos Aires Times.
Prior to Payne’s death on Wednesday, hotel staff requested police assistance with “a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol,” the hotel manager said during the police call, per CNN. “He breaks things up. He is tearing the whole room apart.”
The manager noted that Payne’s room included a balcony and “we’re a little afraid that he’ll do something.”
Police are currently investigating the incident.
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” the Payne family said in a joint statement, per the BBC. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Payne rose to fame on “The X Factor” with his fellow bandmates, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, per Variety.
Together, One Direction released five albums and went on four world tours. The band went on an indefinite hiatus when Malik left the group in 2015.
In wake of Payne’s sudden death on Wednesday, friends, collaborators and fans are paying tribute to the late singer online.
None of Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have commented on his death.
Here is what mourning stars are saying about Payne.
“We are heartbroken the sad passing of Liam Payne,” said a statement from “The X Factor” on X. “He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
“Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat,” the Backstreet Boys shared on X. “Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world.”
“Rest in peace brother.”
Singer-songwriter Puth said he was in “shock” over news of Payne’s death in a post to his Instagram story.
“Liam was always to kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with,” Puth continued. “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
“So upsetting to hear the news of (Liam Payne) passing,” Hilton wrote on X. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. .. RIP my friend.”
German DJ Zedd wrote, “Life is short and fragile,” per an X post. Zedd collaborated with Payne in 2017 on the song, “Get Low.”
In a second post, Zedd continued, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking,” per X.
“RIP to Liam Payne,,, much too young,” the rapper wrote on X.
“I’m devastated,” English singer Rita Ora wrote on X. Payne and Ora collaborated on the song “For You,” which is featured in the movie “Fifty Shades Freed”
“He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage,” Ora continued. “This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones.”
“Our song ‘For You’ takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”
“R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family,” rapper Juicy J shared on X.
“I feel so fortunate to have been in the same generation as Liam Payne and the phenomenal (One Direction),” Noah Cyrus, daughter to Billy Ray Cyrus, wrote in a lengthy Instagram story post.
“We are so lucky to have known Liam Payne the singer and performer. … You will never be forgotten.”