UTTER SHOCK
Molly-Mae reveals friendship with Liam Payne in emotional statement as she shares selfie with him after his sudden death
See fans paying their respects to Liam in the video above
MOLLY-MAE Hague has revealed her "utter shock" over Liam Payne's death in an emotional statement.
The heartbroken influencer took to Instagram after the One Direction star, 31, suddenly passed away on Wednesday afternoon in Argentina.
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The Maebe founder, 24, said: "I haven't been able to stop thinking about the most heartbreaking news of Liam's passing. It has utterly shocked me.
"I met Liam a few times and he was such a genuine and kind person- always making the effort to talk to me and ask how I was.
"I just can't stop thinking about his family, his son, girlfriend and friends- my heart aches for them.
"Rest in peace Liam".
READ MORE ON LIAM PAYNE
Molly-Mae joined hundreds of celebrities paying their respects on social media over the past few days.
It comes as
- Liam's dead Geoff read tributes outside the hotel where he died
- Liam checked into rehab weeks before his death but quit 48 hours later
- Louis Tomlinson seen for first time since Liam's death
- Tragic messages prove Louis was 'reaching out to Liam'
- Liam's worried friends planned an intervention over his drink & drug use
- Cops reveal minute-by-minute breakdown of events before Liam's death
- Liam's phone key to solving death mystery - as cops hunt drug dealer
- One of the last people to see Liam alive reveals ‘disturbing’ behaviour
- Liam was 'dropped by his record label' days before he died
It comes as Liam's ex and the mother of his son Bear, seven, spoke out on Friday night.
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Former X Factor judge Cheryl described the "earth shattering" agony of Liam's death and that Bear will "never see father again".
She added a statement on Instagram that said: "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."
Poignant moment Liam Payne's dad reads tributes outside of hotel where his son tragically fell to his death_1
Cheryl went on: "Before you leave comments or make videos, ask
yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.
"Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last."
Liam fondly described his seven-year-old son as a "mini-me" weeks before his death.
TRAGIC DEATH
The singer's loved ones flew to South America late on Wednesday night just hours after his tragic passing.
Liam's dad Geoff Payne was seen in Buenos Aires at the CasaSur Palermo hotel where his son tragically fell from a balcony and lost his life.
Footage taken outside the Casa Sur hotel on Friday showed a sombre Geoff bending down to read messages written to his son.
Dressed in a dark suit, the distraught dad waved to Liam's fans.
One Direction star Lia fell to his death from the third floor of his hotel after behaving "erratically" throughout the day.
Champagne, prescription drugs, white powder and foil wraps were all found in Liam's trashed hotel room after the fatal fall at around 5pm (9pm UK time).
Fellow hotel guests revealed the star had been acting in a "disturbing" manner shortly before his fall, with Liam admitting to one woman: "I used to be in a boy band - that's why I'm so f**ked up."
Liam's family said after his passing: "We are heartbroken.
"Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
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"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space during this awful time."
His parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, were seen leaving their home in the middle of the night on Wednesday.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction's camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing 'Just a boy...' alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: "Such an awful tragedy.
"Sending love to his family and all those who loved him."
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was "devastated" and "lost for words".
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x".
Liam Gallagher said he was "very sad" and told his followers on X: "Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy."
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “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.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the "devastating news" on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: "I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
"We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
"Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP."
Niall Horan's brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a "top young man".
He added: "You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
"My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
"10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x"
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: "RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…"
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: "I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
"He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone...
"I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry..."
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: "RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family."
In another tweet, they added: "Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.";
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: "So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam's tragic death on Instagram, adding: "Can't believe this! RIP Liam."
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: "I'm so taken aback, rest in peace."
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a "loving and kind soul".
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: "Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
"I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x."
Payne previously appeared on Cordon's The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall - who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part - described him as "the first friend I made in this industry".
She said: "We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
"Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we'd 'make it'. I hope you are at peace now".
Camila Cabello described his death as a "tragedy" and said he "made an impression" on her when she was a young girl.
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