Numerous tributes have been left for Chalfont St Giles resident and former One Direction singer Liam Payne, who has died at the age of 31.

The musician, who originates from Wolverhampton but moved to the Thames Valley in roughly 2022, passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

His death was confirmed in the evening of October 16 but wasn’t publicly announced until close to midnight.

Since the news broke, millions of heartfelt messages have been left for the late musician, who leaves behind a seven-year-old son.

An official statement from The X Factor, the talent show that propelled Payne to stardom in 2010, said: “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.”

Singer Katie Waissel, who appeared on the X Factor in the same year as the late musician, said: “Your spirit will live on in the hearts of so many, and your story will continue to be told.

“The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honour your legacy until it does.

“Keep singing in the sky, my friend.”

In her lengthy tribute, which was shared on X (formerly Twitter), she criticised the music industry for treating musicians as ‘commodities’ and that the focus was on ‘profits rather than the people’

The music streaming service, Spotify, also released a touching tribute to Payne.

The 31-year-old’s music had around 4.7 active streams per month.

They said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Liam Payne's passing.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many fans who loved and supported him.”

Payne initially auditioned for the X Factor in 2008 at the age of 14 and made it through to the judge’s houses round (one stage before the live shows), before he was eliminated.

He was told by the show’s creator and judge Simon Cowell to ‘come back in two years’, which he did.

Now aged 16, he returned in 2010 , but after being eliminated once again just before the live shows, singer and judge Nicole Scherzinger suggested putting Payne, along with other solo artists in Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson in a group.

This led to the creation of One Direction, which became one of the biggest boybands in music history, selling nearly 100 million records worldwide.

Following the band’s split in 2016, each member ventured into solo careers, and in 2022, it was revealed that Payne was residing in Buckinghamshire, with his home being located in Chalfont St Giles.

This was to be close to his son, Bear, whom he had with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy, who currently resides in Chalfont St Peter.

Several locals have also reacted to the news of Payne’s death, which includes Chalfont St Giles’ Conservative Councillor, Carl Jackson.

He told the Free Press: “I am shocked and saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Liam Payne. 

“His extraordinary musical legacy will live on. 

“The thoughts of Chalfont St Giles residents are with his family as they come to terms with their loss."

More information about Payne’s sudden passing is being established by the Argentinian  authorities.