Liam Payne’s mother tearfully shared: When I last called him, he told me in a trembling voice that he and his girlfriend were … see more

issued a statement after his death at 31.

“We are heartbroken,” Payne’s family said via a spokesperson.

“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

Payne fell from the third story of the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.reported that police had been called to the hotel before Payne’s

death after receiving a report concerning an “aggressive man” believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.