LIAM Payne’s family have broken their silence after his tragic death.
The former One Direction member’s loved ones have been left “devastated”, a relative said today.
Liam Payne[/caption]
His parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, were seen leaving home in the middle of the night.
They left “in a hurry” at around midnight last night as news of the 31-year-old’s death reached the family home in Wolverhampton.
This morning, the downstairs curtains remained drawn at the £600,000 four bedroom detached house in the Codsall area of the city.
A family member who answered the door told reporters: “We’re obviously devastated at the news but we don’t want to comment.”
Neighbours said the couple left last night at around midnight while two women, believed to be Liam’s sisters, were seen entering the property at 9am this morning.
One local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “They were seen leaving in a hurry at around midnight last night but I’m not sure if they had bags.
“You can’t imagine what they are going through. I know Liam liked to get back here when he could. They will be utterly heartbroken as they very close.
“His home town always had a place in his heart. The community is going to be devastated. I think the sisters are there now, your heart goes out to them.”
Another neighbour said: “I think they left last night at around 12pm. The parents aren’t here. All I can say really is condolences to them.”
Tributes have also been paid to Liam across his home town.
Payne developed a love of performing as a schoolboy at St Peter’s Collegiate School in Compton and had studied music at Wolverhampton College before auditioning on the X Factor as a teenager.
Liam’s former school St Peter’s Collegiate Academy said today (Thurs): “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former student, Liam Payne.
“During his time at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, Liam was not only well-liked by his peers and teachers but also recognised for his talents.
“He made a positive impact on our school community, and his contributions will be remembered.
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s family and friends during this difficult time. We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by his passing.”
Louise Fall, principal and chief executive at Wolverhampton College, said: “We were sorry to hear the news about former student Liam Payne and wish to extend our sympathies to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Liam was also a West Bromwich Albion fan and the club paid tribute to the singer on X, formerly Twitter.
They said: “We’re shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne.
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time.”
Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre also paid tribute to Liam, who last visited the venue in 2013.
The statement read: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Liam Payne this morning and of course his millions of fans, with whom we share immense grief.
“We are always so proud of Wolverhamptoners whose talent propels them to stardom on stage, screen and music.
“Liam last visited the Grand Theatre as an audience member during the height of One Direction in 2013, we know memories of that night will last long the memories of those who met him.”
Fellow Wolverhampton-born star, Beverley Knight, described feeling “stunned” at the news of the singer’s death.
Writing on Facebook, she said: “I know this sense of utter shock is felt by millions around the world right now.
“I always kept my eye on what my fellow Wolverhamptoners in the spotlight were doing, and felt immense pride that a young lad from my town had become a worldwide star, a member of one of the best selling boybands of all time.
“I was also concerned that the spotlight had become a little too bright for such a young life.
“My heart is shattered for his parents Karen and Geoff, and his son whose future memories have been snatched away.”
