In what was shocking news for the world today, reports revealed that former One Direction band member Liam Payne is no more. The little kids who Simon Cowell claimed to have thrown together in “10 minutes” from the contestants, who did not progress further than the bootcamp stage of the 2010 UK X Factor, turned out to be one of the most popular boy bands of this era. And although each of them pursued their individual careers after Zayn Malik left the band in 2015, it was hard to look at one of them without getting teary-eyed.

Unfortunately, Payne didn’t seem to be doing so well after they went on an unofficial hiatus in 2016. Of course, he continued pursuing a solo music career. However, the 31-year-old had also been struggling with mental health challenges. And per reports, prior to his fatal fall from a third-floor room balcony at CasaSur hotel in Palermo, Buenos Aires, the police said in a statement that they got a call of an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol.”

Needless to say, the news of his death affected millions! And joining them in mourning was Kyle Kuzma‘s girlfriend and supermodel, Winnie Harlow. Taking to Instagram, Winnie Harlow posted two story updates. The first one was a photo of both of them standing on a stage where Payne was saying something. Underneath the photo, she wrote, “kind angel. I pray peace for your kind soul.”

Following this, she added another update. And this time, it was an emotional message. “Life is short. We are but a blip in existence. But in this blip I’m here with you. And for that gift, of being here with you, to show my gratitude; I love you. Nothing you feel is yours alone. From Love [insert upward arrow] To Fear [insert downward arrow] We are here. Together. I love you. W.H.”

Clearly, the loss of a friend weighs deeply in Winne Harlow’s mind. The two have notably attended a few events together. Harlow and Payne were at the same table during the 2018 amfAR Gala held at La Permanente, Milan, Italy. Furthermore, in 2019, Liam launched his own signature capsule collection with HUGO at Berlin Fashion Week. At the lavish launch party, Winnie Harlow also arrived to support his new venture.

But despite the success, it seems like Liam hadn’t been doing well, after all. Mental health was one of the many problems he dealt with even when he was with One Direction. “People don’t really see what’s going on underneath,” he once said in an interview. While the 1D split was tough, Payne admitted that it was what was necessary at the time because often the group didn’t really stop to celebrate their success.

In fact, in another interview with the Diary of a CEO podcast, Liam Payne was quite honest about how he struggled with substance abuse and suicide ideation. And at the time, he was one month sober. But that wasn’t all. Agoraphobia was something else he battled daily. This was in 2019 and during a chat with Esquire Middle East, Payne revealed that even going to a coffee shop made him anxious.

Aside from mental health challenges, the Teardrop singer had also been hospitalized twice for kidney-related issues last year. Alas, today is a sad day for all of us.

Alongside Kyle Kuzma’s girlfriend, the world mourns Liam’s passing

“I just opened Twitter, and the first post that appears is that Liam Payne died???” wrote one fan, perfectly encapsulating the sentiment of a lot of people. It is definitely not the best way to start your day. As many have pointed out across social media platforms, Liam Payne was a huge part of their life growing up.

British journalist and broadcaster, famous for polarizing and hard-hitting facts, Dan Wootton, also posted a tribute to Liam on X. “What an appalling tragedy and waste of life. Liam Payne was always the most mature member of One Direction in those heady early days. He was a joy to be around. The music industry is truly evil. My thoughts to his poor family, band mates, and fans who will be devastated.“

Former British soldier and host of the more popular reality TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ant Middleton also seemed to have shared some memorable moments with Payne. “That was some sunset you captured there mate! A talented positive man with a good heart. I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine in. Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely… My sincere condolences to @LiamPayne family during these unimaginable times

  #restinpeacebrother.“

X Factor, Liam’s first stage at stardom, did not fail to post a tribute of their own, either. “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. 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.“

Liam is survived by his son Bear, born in 2017. All our prayers are with Payne’s family and friends.