By Danielle Broadway and Catarina Demony
LONDON (Reuters) -Liam Payne’s former companion, pop singer Cheryl, joined an outpouring of grief on Friday over the loss of life of the One Path band member, calling for restraint in protection to guard his household throughout an “indescribably painful time”.
Payne, who shot to world fame with boy band One Path, died at age 31 after falling from a third-floor lodge room balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, triggering tributes from followers around the globe.
Cheryl Tweedy, extra generally recognized by simply her first identify, was in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018 and he or she used her assertion to induce the media to recollect that they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who may learn the studies.
“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time. I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she stated on her Instagram account.
“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.”
It was not clear which studies she was referring to, however she referred to as on individuals to “give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last”.
Payne’s present girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, stated on Instagram she had been “at a complete loss” and he or she would “continue to love you for the rest of my life”.
Within the central English metropolis of Wolverhampton, Payne’s dwelling city, greater than 100 individuals got here to mourn him, typically singing a few of his songs.
‘COMPLETELY DEVASTATED’
The tributes to Payne, who discovered fame as a teen, have flowed for the reason that 31-year-old was reported lifeless.
A joint assertion was signed by his One Path band mates Harry Types, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone 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,” Payne’s former band mates stated.
“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
In a separate assertion posted on Instagram on Thursday, Types stated Payne’s best pleasure was making individuals comfortable.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life,” Types stated.
Malik additionally posted on Instagram concerning the late singer, together with a photograph of them dozing off subsequent to one another.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give just to give you a hug one last time,” he wrote.
Together with an image of Payne embracing him at a gig, Tomlinson wrote he was past fortunate to have had him in his life.
“I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye,” he stated.
Music mogul Simon Cowell, who signed One Path to his label, posted his tribute on Instagram on Friday, saying he was “truly devastated” and “heartbroken”.
“And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you,” he stated.
Sharon Osbourne, former decide of TV expertise present X Issue, the place One Path was fashioned, stated on Instagram the music business had let Payne down, describing him as “just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world”.
Prosecutors in Buenos Aires stated on Thursday an preliminary search instructed Payne’s fall from the lodge balcony got here after substance abuse.
Police earlier stated that they had discovered the room in “total disorder” in a search after his loss of life, with varied issues smashed and drugs scattered round.
