Payne’s death has come as a shock to many.

The singer rose to prominence as part of British boyband One Direction along with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.

The group were formed on reality competition show The X Factor in 2010, and went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.

Although they announced their hiatus in 2016, Payne went on to pursue a solo career and released his debut solo album LP1 in 2019 .

Fans have since flooded social media with tributes with one user writing on Twitter, “This doesn’t even feel real, like he was part of a group that raised an entire generation. Like he just posted a story on Snapchat an hour ago is insane. RIP Liam.”

“Liam Payne’s death is sad very very sad. He played a role in all our childhoods. Just doesn’t seem real… I’m speechless. Rest Easy,” said another.

“I feel so unsettled hearing this news — I think it’s because we grew up with him, he’s only our age,” wrote another.

Payne is survived by his son, Bear Grey Payne, whom he welcomed with singer Cheryl Cole in 2017.