Liam Payne’s ‘Heartbroken’ Family Speaks Out After Singer’s Death at 31: ‘Will Forever Live in Our Hearts’

Liam Payne’s family is “heartbroken” following the singer’s sudden death at age 31.

In a statement to multiple outlets including the BBC and PA Media, the former One Direction member’s family addressed their loss, saying “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,” they continued, per the BBC.

Payne was pronounced dead after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Payne’s sudden death, local police told PEOPLE, adding that an autopsy will be conducted.

In a statement translated from Spanish, Alberto Crescenti (the head of Buenos Aires’ SAME public emergency medical services system) told local outlet TN that the singer fell into the hotel’s internal courtyard.

Payne had been in Argentina since at least early this month, when he attended the Oct. 2 concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires with girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

The late singer is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he shares with ex Cheryl. 

Among those who paid tribute to Payne following his death included Anne Twist, the mom of his former One Direction bandmate Harry Styles.

“Just a boy … 💔,” she shared on Instagram alongside a photo of a red broken-heart emoji in front of a black background.

Multiple X-Factor stars also paid tribute to Payne on social media, with host Dermot O’Leary sharing a black-and-white photo from his time on the show on Instagram alongside the caption, “The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.”

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble,” added O’Leary, 51. “Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx.”