Liam Payne’s Death Leaves Music World ‘Speechless’: Zedd, Paris Hilton & More React

News of Liam Payne‘s death has left the world stunned, with fans and music industry peers alike quickly flooding the internet with posts mourning the 31-year-old former One Direction star after news of his passing came to light Wednesday (Oct. 16).

First reported by TMZ and confirmed by CNN, Payne died Wednesday evening after suffering a fatal fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, according to Argentinian police. Based on Snapchats Payne posted as recent as an hour before his death was first reported, the musician was there on a trip with his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy.

In the first moments after the news broke, the overall feeling experienced by people online was shock. “I can’t believe Liam Payne is really dead like what the f–k,” one fan wrote on X. “I know celebrities die all the time but it just hits so much harder bc that’s like the first major celeb of our generation who we grew up with.”

“why does it feel like we entered into another alternate universe…like wdym liam payne is dead,” tweeted another fan.

Meanwhile, Payne’s peers in the entertainment industry also spoke out. “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺,” tweeted Paris Hilton, while the former boy bander’s “Get Low” collaborator, Zedd, posted: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking …”

“damn this liam payne news got me speechless… looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days,” wrote singer Corbyn Besson.

Payne leaves behind a 7-year-old child, Bear, whom he shared with British singer Cheryl. His music career extended beyond One Direction, with the singer dropping solo music — including Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit “Strip That Down” with Quavo — after the band dissolved in 2016.

See reactions to Liam Payne’s death below.

So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺

— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024

RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…
absolutely heartbreaking … 💔

— Zedd (@Zedd) October 16, 2024

if this Liam Payne news is true that shit is honestly so gut wrenching… was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, fuck the Internet for being so ruthless over the past few months… forreal such a toxic environment on here mannnn that’s so sad

— J (@JVCKJ) October 16, 2024

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R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can't believe it prayers up for the family 🙏🏿

— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) October 16, 2024

damn 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

— corbyn (@corbynbesson) October 16, 2024

Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear ❤️ and all the One direction Family
RIP @LiamPayne

— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) October 16, 2024

Liam Payne's death is sad very very sad.
He played a roll in all our childhoods. Just doesn't seem real… I'm speechless.

Rest Easy

— Taylor Caniff (@taylorcaniff) October 16, 2024

Reading that someone from One Direction DIED just doesn’t feel real to me. Liam Payne was only 31… 2024 been too much pic.twitter.com/5HPyVyBID6

— Drebae (@Drebae_) October 16, 2024

why does it feel like we entered into another alternate universe…like wdym liam payne is dead

— cay (@koralinadean) October 16, 2024

I can’t believe Liam Payne is really dead like what the fuck. I know celebrities die all the time but it just hits so much harder bc that’s like the first major celeb of our generation who we grew up with

— PRINCEOFPOPSTAN | parody (@PRlNCEOFPOPSTAN) October 16, 2024

the way my entire childhood of being an insane diehard 1d fan just played in my head like a film reel

— lina (@evermoresivy) October 16, 2024

if the news is true – even though i was not a fan of him anymore, one direction changed and shaped my life so much and he was a part of that band. these feelings are so complicated and hard to navigate. i am literally at loss for words.

— floor ◟̽◞̽ (@Tomlinbucks) October 16, 2024

i don't know why but hearing liam payne just died doesn't even feel real ??? like that doesn't feel like something that could've happened

— tay (@envystheleaves) October 16, 2024