Liam Payne’s school friends open up on devastation with personal tributes following singer’s sudden death – ‘Shock to the system’

Liam Payne’s distraught school friends have shared their sadness over the singer’s death at the age of 31, describing the news as a “shock to the system”.

The One Direction star died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room.

The death of the 31-year-old from Wolverhampton, who first found fame in 2011 after participating in The X Factor, was announced on Wednesday.

Described as “bubbly” and “full of energy”, Payne’s school friends said the news was like a “kick in the stomach” as they paid tribute to their childhood pal.

Payne had been attending the Argentinian capital alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy to support former bandmate Niall Horan at a gig.

Police officers were called to the hotel where they were “informed of an aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol” before his body was found in an internal patio of the hotel.

Katarina Elizabeth who was in the same year as Payne at St Peter’s Collegiate secondary school said she “cant’t quite comprehend” the news.

She said: “I’ve woken up this morning with what feels like a kick to my stomach.

“Someone who I used to be friends with through all those years at secondary school has died and even at 31, we’re still so young, I can’t quite comprehend.

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“All those secondary school day memories, which are the best memories, have come flooding back. I’m lost for words right now.”

Dani Watkins, who was in the year below Payne, told GB News: “He was always bubbly and having a laugh.

“If you were upset or weren’t smiling when he walked past you in the corridor, he’d always find ways to cheer you up. He was always so full of energy and life. [His death] is a shock to the system”.

She added: “I will always remember me and him getting told off by the headteacher for messing around before he sang fly me to the moon at the Christmas concert – some of the funniest memories.”

Payne’s secondary school also honoured the “well-liked” former student, with the school community celebrating the “positive impact” he made.

A spokesperson for St Peter’s Collegiate said: “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.”