Singer-songwriter Sam Pounds announced Monday, October 28, that he is releasing a previously-recorded collaboration with Payne, “Do No Wrong,” on Friday, November 1.
“I pray that this will be a blessing to the world like Liam has always dreamed. I pray angels will comfort you all every day while listening,” Pounds shared via X alongside a presave link to the new track Monday.
“I pray that this song will be a blessing to Ruth, Bear, and the entire family,” he continued, referring to Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, and his son with Cheryl Cole, Bear. “I pray that this song eclipses the negative echoes. I pray supernatural positive healing power will embrace each and every one of you. Presave links here. With love ❤️ let’s all BE the blessing.”
Pounds previously shared behind-the-scenes footage from his recording studio session with Payne via Instagram on Wednesday, October 23. “Yea I see the reports but I knew your heart,” he wrote, adding that Payne also wanted Chris Brown to appear on the track.
“@liampayne my bro 💔🌹I can’t believe I’m writing this post. I can’t believe you are gone in this way,” Pounds wrote at the time. “The happy, funny, and talented brother, father, and friend.”
During his lifetime, Payne released five studio albums with One Direction, four of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. He released his first and only solo album, LP1, in 2019.
From the moment One Direction was formed, Liam Payne found himself with four additional brothers for life. Thanks to the creative minds of The X Factor UK judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Payne came together in 2010 to create a life-changing boy band. […]
Payne died at age 31 earlier this month after falling from a hotel balcony at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires. A partial autopsy subsequently showed that he had “pink cocaine” — a recreational drug that is typically a mix of methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA — in his system at the time, along with cocaine, benzodiazepine and crack.
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The initial preliminary autopsy revealed that Payne may have been “in a state of semi or total unconsciousness” at the time of his fall, as his injuries and the “position in which his body was found” suggested he “did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself.”
The entire One Direction family and community is mourning Liam Payne after his tragic death. Us Weekly confirmed that Payne died at age 31 on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His cause of death was later revealed to be “serious injuries” that were untreatable by the time […]
Payne suffered “multiple traumas” as a result of the fall, including “cranioencephalic injuries” that were “severe enough to cause death.” He also had hemorrhages in his skull, chest, abdomen and limbs.
“His injuries were incompatible with life,” Buenos Aires emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti said in a statement, according to La Nacion. “Based on what the team saw, there was apparently a cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death.”
Mendes, 26, addressed the audience at the Paramount Theater on Friday, October 18, and said the news of Payne’s death two days before felt “completely devastating,” according to social media footage found online.
“I got to meet Liam a couple of times, and he was a beautiful soul and his eyes gleamed, it was beautiful,” the singer-songwriter told the crowd. “It’s about grieving those we miss with tears and it’s also about celebrating them and who they were and what they left in this world and I just want to take a second to send so much love to him wherever he is up there. Liam, we love you. The world is crying for you, brother, and we’re all praying for your son and your family. I miss you. This one’s for you tonight, Liam, from all of us.”
Billboard reported Friday that Mendes followed his remarks with a performance of his new song “Heart of Gold,” which he dedicated to Payne. The song’s chorus includes the lyrics “You had a heart of gold / You left too soon, it was out of your control/ Underneath your skin and bone / You had a heart of gold.”
Liam Payne navigated a series of ups and downs throughout his career in the spotlight ahead of his tragic death at 31. Payne rose to fame as a member of British boy band One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. The group was put together and mentored by Simon Cowell […]
Us Weekly confirmed that Payne died at age 31 on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The singer sustained a cranial fracture and other serious injuries that were too severe for emergency treatment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Payne leaves behind 7-year-old son Bear, whom he shared with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.
“As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” wrote Cole, 41, breaking her silence via Instagram on Friday. “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
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Payne and Cole dated from 2016 to 2018 after initially meeting in 2008 while Payne was a contestant on The X Factor UK. At the time, Cole — who is a member of the girl band Girls Aloud — was a judge on the series. Payne returned to the show two years later in 2010, when Simon Cowell famously put him together with Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinsonto form One Direction.
One Direction alum Liam Payne died on October 16, 2024, at the age of 31. That evening, Us Weekly confirmed Payne had fallen to his death from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The singer had sustained a cranial fracture and other serious injuries that were too severe for treatment. Local emergency responders […]
Cowell, 65, took to Instagram on Friday to reflect upon a meeting he had with Payne last year where they “reminisced about all the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I met all those years ago.”
He added of Bear, “He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. He will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.”
Louis Tomlinson’s ex-girlfriend Eleanor Calder is remembering the late Liam Payne and how he personally touched her with emotional outreach.
Calder, 30, took to her Instagram Stories on Friday, October 18, and wrote, “I wasn’t sure whether to post anything on here as I usually navigate loss and grief privately, but it feels strange not to. [Liam’s] passing has hit me really hard.”
She continued, “Over the past couple of years, Liam has been a huge support for me and I’d like to think I was for him too. He would regularly check in to ask how I was feeling and if I was okay. When I first moved into my flat, he drew paintings of my dogs and I to put on the walls — he said he hoped it would help with making it feel like home.”
Calder cited the personal artwork he made her as “one of the many examples of his kindness and creativity.”
Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson were connected for life through their stint in One Direction, which became one of the most successful boy bands of all time. But their friendship wasn’t always smooth-sailing, with the late “Teardrops” singer admitting he and Tomlinson, 32, “hated” each other at the beginning of their boy band journey. Later, […]
She added: “I can only hope that he is at peace now and will forever wish that his story ended differently. … My heart goes out to those that knew and loved him for the person he was.”
Us Weekly confirmed that Payne died at age 31 on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The singer sustained a cranial fracture and other serious injuries that were too severe for emergency treatment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eleanor Calder/Instagram
Payne’s One Direction bandmate Tomlinson, 32, previously dated Calder, a stylist, from 2011 to 2015. The two reconciled in 2017 but split again in 2022. Tomlinson briefly dated Briana Jungwirth following his initial split from Calder, and the two welcomed son Freddie in January 2016.
On Friday, October 18, Tomlinson shared a screenshot of his Apple Music playlist to his Instagram Story. Per the pic, Tomlinson was in the middle of listening to Payne’s “Teardrops.”
Harry Styles is paying tribute to former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne following his death at age 31. “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” Styles, 30, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, October 17, alongside a photo of Payne performing in front of a large crowd. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, […]
Payne released “Teardrops,” a breakup ballad cowritten with JC Chasez and Jamie Scott, in March to jumpstart a new musical era. It was the last original song Payne released ahead of his passing.
Payne rose to fame in 2010 as a member of boy band One Direction, alongside Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik. While the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2015, the remaining singers came together to mourn Payne’s death.
They shared a joint statement on Thursday, October 18, and posted to their respective social media accounts.
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“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” Tomlinson wrote in his message. “I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.”
Payne is survived by his parents, two older sisters and 7-year-old son Bear Grey, whom he shared with ex Cheryl Cole, who broke her silence on his death via Instagram Friday.
“As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” wrote Cole, 41, who shared a photo of Payne holding a then-infant Bear. “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
Celebrities are mourning the loss of former One Direction band member Liam Payne.
News broke on Wednesday, October 16, that Payne died at age 31 due to sustaining injuries after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Payne fell from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, Us Weekly confirmed at the time.
Payne rose to stardom in 2008 when he appeared on the British series The X Factor. Despite his elimination, he returned in 2010 and was recruited to be a member of the boy band One Direction. The group, which was created by Simon Cowell, included Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik in addition to Payne. The band released several hit tracks including “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”
Payne was the father of son Bear, whom he welcomed in March 2017 with ex Cheryl Cole.
Scroll down to see celebrities paying tribute to Payne:
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal
Paris Hilton
“So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing,” she wrote via X. “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
“R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family,” Juicy J, who collaborated with Payne and Wiz Khalifa on the 2016 track “You,” wrote via X.
Zedd
“RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…,” Zedd wrote via X. “absolutely heartbreaking …”
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for iHeartMedia
Charlie Puth
“I am in shock right now,” Puth wrote via his Instagram Story. “Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone…”
Puth shared a clip of him and Payne, writing, “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.” He also uploaded a video of Payne praising Puth’s talents during an interview, adding, “I am so sorry…”
Jack Johnson
“if this Liam Payne news is true that s— is honestly so gut wrenching,” the Jack & Jack band member wrote via X. “Was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, f— the Internet for being so ruthless over the past few months… forreal such a toxic environment on here mannnn that’s so sad.”
Ashley Iaconetti
“Oh my goodness, I am so sad and shocked to hear of the passing of Liam Payne. I immediately thought of his young son. This is heartbreaking,” the Bachelor in Paradise alum wrote via her Instagram Story. “He had one of my favorite boy band voices. I’ll always remember when my friend was turning me into a One Direction fan in grad school and she showed me their performance of ‘Gotta Be You’ on the X Factor. The first verse he sang converted me into a fan instantly. I had chills. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Ashley Iaconetti and Liam PayneCourtesy of Ashley Iaconetti/Instagram
Lou Teasdale
“I hope you’re all OK,” the former One Direction hairstylist wrote via her Instagram Story, adding a hand heart emoji and a red heart emoji. She also posted via X, writing, “Sending you all so much love ❤️💔.”
Flavor Flav
“RIP to Liam Payne ,,, much too young 🙏🏾,” the rapper wrote via X.
Corbyn Besson
“Damn this Liam Payne news got me speechless … looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days,” the former Why Don’t We singer wrote via X. “You really never know when it’s your time to go. remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day.”
Olly Murs
“This news is devastating, am lost for words 😣 we always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together,” the singer captioned a photo of himself and Payne on Instagram.”Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam 🙏🏻😣.”
Liam Gallagher
“Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x,” the Oasis member wrote via X.
Mikey Graham
The Boyzone member called Payne’s passing “such tragic news” in an X tribute. “I think it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists on their books from now on in his memory as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talent. Fame can be very damaging especially in today’s world. Lots of money. Nobody to help. Lots of yes people. Nobody honest🙏🏻.”
Dermot O’Leary
O’Leary, who hosted The X-Factor during the years Payne competed on the show, shared a black-and-white photo of himself and the singer via Instagram. “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra,” he recalled in the post’s caption. “He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx.”
Backstreet Boys
The boy band sent their condolences to Payne’s loved ones in an Instagram Story statement, writing, “Words can not [sic] express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.”
The group’s message continued: “Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.”
Max George
The Wanted singer wrote that he was “devastated” by Payne’s death via X, adding, “Liam was an unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time. Rest in peace Liam.”
One Direction may be on an extended hiatus, but Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have continued to make music — and headlines — over the years. After forming and finishing in third place on the U.K.’s version of The X Factor in 2010, One Direction released four successful studio […]
Kelsey Parker
Kelsey, the widow of The Wanted member Tom Parker, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Payne, calling him “one of the kindest souls who supported Tom and I.” She wrote: “You’ve continued to support me and the children in recent years❤️. I will never forget the love and support you showed to us. I really hope you found peace 🙏🏻✨. My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones❤️.”
In a follow-up post, Kelsey stated: “Today is a reminder that life is too damn short. So love a little deeper, hug a little tighter, and never pass up the chance to say ‘I love you’ to those you love because tomorrow is never promised.”
Lance Bass
“My thoughts and with the family, friends and fans💔,” the ‘NSync singer wrote via his Instagram Story.
Noah Cyrus
In a lengthy Instagram Story message, Cyrus wrote that she feels “so fortunate to have been in the same generation as Liam Payne and the phenomenon of 1D.”
She continued: “Liam you are so loved and will always be loved by so many. This is the most devastating, awful, heart breaking news, I’m sending so much love to his family, girlfriend, and the close people around him.”
Cyrus noted that she felt “so lucky” to be a member of the One Direction fandom. “We are so lucky to have known Liam Payne the singer and performer,” she stated. “But my heart goes out to the Liam Payne who was suffering behind closed doors. My heart goes out to his fans as well because I’m absolutely crushed and I imagine so many are so broken by the loss of someone sp special.”
She concluded her post by thanking Payne “for the laughs, smiles, and songs,” adding, “You will live forever through those. You will never be forgotten.”
Over the years, Liam Payne shared many candid comments about his ups and downs with mental health. Us Weekly confirmed in October 2024 that the former One Direction member died at age 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel. His cause of death was not revealed at the time. One […]
Josh Devine
“Heartbreaking news. I just pray for Liam’s family and all that knew and loved him,” the former One Direction drummer wrote via Instagram Story. “Some of my fav memories in life were because of this man. No words. 💔.”
Rita Ora
Ora, who previously collaborated with Payne on the 50 Shades soundtrack song “For You,” noted via Instagram that she was “devastated” by his death.
“He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage,” Ora wrote on October 17. “This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P 🕊️.”
Laura Whitmore
“The One Direction lads first came into MTV when they stole the hearts of the nation on XFactor. All talented in their own right, all optimistic and excited about what was ahead,” the former Love Island UK host wrote via Instagram on October 17. “Bumped into Liam over the years many times on different shows and out and about and he was always so lovely and giving of his time.”
Whitmore added, “He was a Popstar but more importantly someone’s son, father – loved by so many who are left heartbroken. My thoughts with his loved ones. I can’t believe it, but also I can. Which is devastating.”
Alesso
The DJ remembered making Payne’s song “Midnight,” a bonus track from his debut album.
“Can’t believe you’re gone, Liam. I’m grateful we got to create magic together on ‘Midnight’ and even more thankful for the friendship we had,” Alesso wrote via Instagram on October 17. “We shared many laughs and great memories that I’ll carry with me always. Rest easy, my friend. ❤️🕊️.”
Ronnie Wood
The Rolling Stones musician paid tribute via X, writing, “I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Liam Payne. It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed.”
Cher Lloyd
“From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had,” Lloyd, who also appeared on The X Factor UK in 2010, wrote via Instagram. “My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”
Rebecca Ferguson
“It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame,” Ferguson wrote via X. “I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.”
She continued: “I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects — many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD. Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x.”
Marvin Humes
“I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor,” Humes wrote via Instagram. “He was 14 years old..we instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..”
He continued, “Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP 🖤.”
Jade Thirwall
“The news of Liam’s passing is truly heartbreaking. Sending so much love to his family, friends, fans, loved ones, and all who knew him,” the Little Mix singer wrote via her Instagram Story.
She continued, “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry. Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it.’ I hope you are at peace now.”
Paul Wesley
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Liam. Such a tragedy. Far too young,” the actor wrote via social media.
Courtesy of Paul Wesley/Instagram
Louis Tomlinson
“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” Tomlinson wrote via Instagram, becoming the first One Direction member to speak out.
He gushed, “And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
Tomlinson directed a separate message to Payne, writing, “I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again, but it wasn’t to be.”
He concluded: “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”
Zayn Malik
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life,” Malik wrote in a social media statement, praising Payne for being his “friend” from their days in One Direction and beyond.
“I lost a brother when you left us and I can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” he continued. “I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever.”
Malik concluded, “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.”
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Harry Styles
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” the former One Direction singer wrote via Instagram one day after Payne’s death. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it.”
Styles explained that Payne “lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.” He called the late singer “warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.”
He continued: “The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson in 2016.(Photo by Getty)
Liam Payneand Louis Tomlinson were connected for life through their stint in One Direction, which became one of the most successful boy bands of all time.
But their friendship wasn’t always smooth-sailing, with the late “Teardrops” singer admitting he and Tomlinson, 32, “hated” each other at the beginning of their boy band journey.
Later, their bond became unbreakable as they pair openly expressed their adoration for one another in recent years in touching public tributes and interviews.
As news breaks about Payne’s tragic death at age 31 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, October 16, Us Weekly looks back at the bromance between the two 1D stars.
July 2010
After auditioning for the UK’s X Factor in 2008 but getting cut for being too young, Payne returned two years later for a second shot at fame. Along with Harry Styles, 30, Zayn Malik, 31, and Niall Horan, 31, Payne and Tomlinson were offered the chance to join forces as a boy band. When they all agreed, this marked the beginning of the pop sensation One Direction.
(L-R) Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne in 2010(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
2013
Payne spoke about how his bond with Tomlinson and the rest of his One Direction bandmates helped him through the demands and pressures at their peak of their success.
“We just take each day as it comes,” Payne told E! News in 2013. “The thing about us is we’re not taking it too seriously. We’re just here to have a bit of a laugh, and then whatever else comes with it is great.”
When asked about the possibility of one day moving on to a solo career if One Direction were to disband, Payne added that he would miss the camaraderie.
“It kinda scares me a little bit to be honest with you,” Payne told the outlet. “I like having the comfort of the other lads on stage.”
He added, “There’s always someone to chat to.”
One Direction in 2013(Photo by JM Enternational/Redferns)
August 2015
One Direction shocked their fans by pulling the plug on the band, but insisted at the time they were only going on “hiatus” for an estimated 18-month period.
December 2016
In 2016, tragedy struck Tomlinson’s life when his mother Johannah Deakindied from leukemia at age 43.
Payne threw his support behind Tomlinson as he grieved, writing a heartfelt note to his bandmate, which he posted via Twitter.
“I am so sorry for you, my brother,” he wrote in the note. “My heart aches for you. Just know I love you the same from a million miles away as I do right next to you. I’m always here for you through everything as you have been for me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this incredibly sad time.”
Payne added that he “can’t begin to imagine what you are all going through,” and signed off by penning “RIP, Johannah, you are forever in my thoughts.”
Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson in 2016.(Photo by Getty)
2019
Payne opened up about the early days of One Direction and how he and Tomlinson got off on the wrong foot initially.
In an interview with Hits Radio, Payne confessed that he and Tomlinson “absolutely hated each other” at the start.
“When we were in the band it kind of felt like, because he was the oldest and because I’d been singing for quite a bit of time we both got put in a weird position,” Payne told the outlet.
“He was wanting to be the leader and I was doing my thing and wanted to. So at first we didn’t get on at all. We absolutely hated each other, it was so funny. Really bad. We hid it well.”
March 2019
Tragedy struck again in 2019 when Tomlinson’s younger sister Félicitédied of a drug overdose at age 18 in London.
The deaths of Félicité and Johanna featured in Tomlinson’s documentary “All of Those Voices” which was released in 2023.
October 2021
Payne again reflected on his relationship with Tomlinson over the years while speaking to ET Canada in October 2021.
“Me and Louis did not get along. We all got thrown together, and we didn’t know each other when got made into a band,” Payne said. “Now we are actually the best of friends within the band, which I think is absolutely hilarious … I think even in those moments of angst it breathes a connection between you both.”
One Direction in 2015(Photo by Getty)
May 2022
Appearing on Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast in May 2022, Payne caused controversy by speaking candidly about his “rowdy” bandmates, including Tomlinson.
“Louis was wild. And he wanted to be wild. That’s his spirit,” Payne said. “He’s my best mate now but in the band, we hated each other. Like, come-to-blows hated each other. It was close.”
September 2022
While Payne received much backlash following his comments on the podcast, Tomlinson later publicly defended the “Strip That Down” singer while appearing on podcast, “The Zach Sang Show.”
“It wasn’t too bad,” Tomlinson said in September 2022. “When I first went online and I’d seen the fans… I was waiting for it to kick off”.
Tomlinson acknowledged the difficulties and pressures celebrities face, describing their jobs as “challenging”.
“We all make mistakes of having these judgements when we watch videos or whatever it might be. Let me say this job is f—ing challenging at times, mentally very f—ing challenging at times. And I know no one who’s listening to this wants to f–king hear that cause you know we’ve got it good, I appreciate that.”
Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne in 2023.(Photo by Justin E Palmer/GC Images)
March 2023
After attending the premiere of Tomlinson’s documentary “All of Those Voices”, Payne reflected on not being around enough for Tomlinson as he faced some of his toughest personal challenges.
“Seeing the world through your eyes last night was the most beautiful thing to experience,” Payne wrote via an Instagram tribute post in March 2023. “My neck hurts from how much I’m looking up to you right now you were already my friend and brother but getting to look through that window into your world and mind just extends that respect I have for you. What you’ve dealt with and how you held it all inside. I’m so sorry I was so out of my mind and didn’t do better for you. I feel ashamed in those moments to not be as good of a friend as you have been to me, at least I have time now and I’m me again so will try and make amends.”
From the moment One Direction was formed, Liam Payne found himself with four additional brothers for life. Thanks to the creative minds of The X Factor UK judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Payne came together in 2010 to create a life-changing boy band. […]
Payne also paid tribute to Tomlinson for being such a good friend to him.
“I’m so thankful to have you in my life mate,” Payne wrote. “I feel so lucky and I know you know this but you were part of a small group of people that literally saved my life, you dragged me out of something so dark I’ve never shared it, but your approach is something I admire and aspire to so I can one day do the same.”
For his part, Tomlinson showed his appreciation that Payne attended the premiere by writing via X, “It means the absolute world. Love you lad!”
A FORMER beauty queen has died in a horror car crash.
Beauty model Samanta Villarreal Núñez was travelling in a pickup truck with her sister and a friend when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ravine.
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Samanta Villarreal Núñez has died in a horror car crashCredit: Jam Press
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The former beauty model was travelling in a pickup truck with her sister and a friendCredit: Jam Press
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The driver lost control of the car and crashed into a ravine before bursting into flames
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The car burst into flames after the horror accidentCredit: Facebook
The car burst into flames after the horror accident.
Emergency rescuers and Red Cross paramedics arrived at the scene on Sunday (October 13) and managed to pull out the three people from the vehicle.
Villarreal Núñez was tragically pronounced dead while the other two were taken to a hospital in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico.
The injured people are still being treated in the hospital, it is understood.
It is not clear who was driving the pickup truck at the time of the accident.
Some local news outlets reported her vehicle was being chased before the fatal accident.
Villarreal Núñez was elected “Reina de Turismo”, or “Tourism Queen”, of El Carmen municipality, Nuevo León state, in 2018.
According to her social media, she was from Sabinas Hidalgo but lived in Monterrey.
Alberto Roque, CEO of Reina Turismo Internacional, wrote on social media: “We join in prayer for the sorrow that has engulfed over the heartbreaking loss of Samanta Núñez, who proudly represented El Carmen in the 2018 Reina Turismo Nuevo León state pageant.
“There are no words for such pain. We send you a heartfelt embrace.”
The accident is reportedly under investigation.
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Samanta Villarreal was crowned Tourism Queen for El Carmen in 2018Credit: Jam Press
“[Lisa Marie] is entirely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley,” her rep, Roger Widynowski, told Us Weekly in a statement at the time. “She adored that boy. He was the love of her life.”
Lisa Marie and Danny welcomed Benjamin in 1992, two years before their divorce. Benjamin was the only grandson of Elvis Presley (who died in 1977) and his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley. (Lisa Marie also shares daughter Riley, born in 1989, with ex Danny. She shares twin daughters, Harper and Finley, born in 2008, with ex-husband Michael Lockwood.)
Riley recalled the day her brother died in Lisa Marie’s From Here to the Great Unknown memoir, which was released posthumously in October 2024. (Lisa Marie died in January 2023 at age 54.)
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Benjamin was throwing a party at his mom’s Calabasas home when he went upstairs “to get a beer,” she wrote. After he was missing for “almost an hour,” Benjamin was found. Both Riley and Lisa Marie wrote about him at length in the book.
Keep scrolling to read all the Presley family’s quotes about the late Benjamin:
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Courtesy of Miss Rodeo KS State University/Instagram
Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas Emma Brungardt made her mark in the rodeo world before her death at age 19.
News broke in October that Brungardt was killed in a car accident that injured four of her rodeo teammates, per The Wichita Eagle. The driver of the vehicle veered “between the Y striking a tree row,” a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper wrote in a crash report.
The driver and Brungardt’s teammates were reportedly transported to Citizens Medical Center for their injuries, while she died at the scene.
Following her death, the Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant issued a statement via Facebook expressing their “deepest condolences” to Brungardt’s family.
“Emma was a true gem and horsewoman who embodied what it meant to be a rodeo queen, always going above and beyond what was expected of her,” the statement read alongside a black-and-white photo of Brungardt. “We will miss her contagious smile and one in a million personality. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers as they navigate through this unimaginable loss.”
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 during a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was traveling home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shared with wife Jessica Klepser — on January 4. […]
Emma Brungardt Was Born in Nebraska
Per her obituary, Brungardt was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, before moving to Kansas. In 2023, she graduated from Valley Heights High School, which is located in Blue Rapids, Kansas.
Emma Brungardt’s ‘Love for Animals’ Was ‘Present From the Beginning’
Brungardt has always had a special place in her heart for animals. “Emma’s love for animals was present from the beginning and grew endlessly as she did,” her obituary read. “Starting with helping care for goats, chickens, and her bottle calf, Clover.”
In high school, Brungardt “would attend football games with her mustang, Guy, and speed across the field waving the school flag,” per her obituary. “When the sports teams would advance to state contest Emma would saddle up and run alongside the school bus with her flag to send them off.”
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Emma Brungardt Was a First-Generation Cowgirl
Courtesy of Miss Rodeo KS State University/Instagram
Brungardt was described as a “first-generation cowgirl” who “immersed herself in the western way of life,” according to the Miss Rodeo Kansas website.
Emma Brungardt and Her Mom Held a Fundraiser for Her Lifestyle
Brungardt and her mom, Holly, created Emma’s Rodeo Rolls to help fund her rodeo lifestyle. The mother-daughter duo would bake hundreds of cinnamon rolls weekly and sell them throughout their community, per Brungardt’s obituary.
Emma Brungardt Was a Student at Colby Community College
At the time of her death, Brungardt was a sophomore at Colby Community College majoring in equine management and production. Per the college’s tribute, Brungardt competed in goat tying, breakaway and team roping.
Joan Collins, 90, shared two photos alongside her late sister, legendary author Jackie Collins, to mark a special milestone.
Taking to her Instagram account, the Dynasty actress penned a heartfelt message in honour of Jackie’s birthday. The featured image showed the sister duo looking almost identical as they beamed for the camera on red thrones.
Captioning the post, Joan wrote: “#happybirthday to my darling late #sister @jackiejcollins #queen of #80sfiction… and #60s and #70s and #90s and #noughties!! #besties since #childhood.” The second image showed the pair as children holding hands.
Friends and followers of the stars were quick to weigh in with kind words. Richard E. Grant and Damian Hurley both commented with a string of love heart emojis.
Joan previously revealed she only found out about her sister’s breast cancer battle three weeks before she passed away, recalling the conversation they had in a piece written on her website joancollins.net.
She wrote: “Hi sis, it’s me,” she said. “I need to talk to you about something. It’s some bad news, I’m afraid. I have stage four breast cancer.”
Discussing the last time she saw her sister, the actress wrote: “She seemed full of joie de vivre as we chatted happily about our Christmas plans in Los Angeles and about going to Hawaii with her children and grandchildren after that.”
Joan with her siblings Bill Collins and Natasha Foster
Almost one year after her sister’s passing, Joan opened up about her loss on This Morning. “I miss her terribly,” she said. “Grief is a process. I think I cried for two or three months, then you get over it and accept it in a begrudging way. Then you get angry, like why did this happen to her?”
“There’s no good thing about it, but the way around it is thinking of it like we are just in different places, as if she’s just in LA.”
As well as Jackie, Joan has a half-sister, Natasha Collins Foster, and her brother Bill.
Country music singer Kris Kristofferson has died at the age of 88.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home,” his family wrote in a statement via Instagram on Sunday, September 29. “We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
The post, which featured a black-and-white photo of Kristofferson, concluded, “The family asks for privacy during this time.”
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young also paid tribute to Kristofferson via social media.
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 during a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was traveling home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shared with wife Jessica Klepser — on January 4. […]
“Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness,” the statement on Sunday read. “He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy.”
Kristofferson died while surrounded by his loved ones in his Maui home on Saturday. A representative confirmed his death to Us Weekly. Kristofferson is survived by his wife, Lisa, his eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake and seven grandchildren.
After spending time in the military post-college, Kristofferson moved to Nashville where he worked as a janitor at Columbia Records.
“I just fell in love with the music community that was going on there,” he said of Nashville during a 2010 interview with Clash. “The way the old heroes helped out the new guys. It was a very soulful business at the time; I don’t know if it’s anything like that now. But it was definitely the best move I’ve ever made.”
Kristofferson released his first album, Sunday Mornin’ Coming’ Down, in 1972. While balancing his music career, Kristofferson starred in films including 1974’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore before getting his break in the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born. Kristofferson, who starred alongside Barbra Streisand in the film, earned a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 1977.
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Years later, Kristofferson formed a country supergroup with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson called The Highwaymen. The four stars released their first album, Highwayman, in 1985.
Kristofferson went on to win three Grammys and a lifetime achievement honor from the Recording Academy in 2018. He also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song in 1985 for the movie Songwriter. Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Kristofferson announced his retirement from music in 2021.
Frances Fisher joined Lisa Ann Walter, Loni Love, Diane Warren and NCIS star Pauley Perrette on Friday at a celebration of life and legacy for the late KTLA correspondent Sam Rubin.
Frances, Clint Eastwood’s former partner, kept it casual in a pair of black pants and an oversized shirt unbuttoned to reveal a black-and-white floral top, and the 72-year-old accessorized with a straw hat for the evening of memories held at Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood.
Diane and Frances attend Sam Rubin’s celebration of life and legacy at Musso & Frank
Pauley, 55, was also in attendance, and she wore a black dress with loose cardigan over the top; the actress wore her multi-colored hair up in a demure ponytail, and she was glowing as she recalled her own memories of Sam.
The invitation-only, private event allowed Sam’s A-list friends to come together, where they raised a glass to toast the man who had been a fixture of Los Angeles morning television.
Pauley speaks during Sam Rubin’s celebration of life
Sam died at the age of 64 on May 10 after suffering a major heart attack at home. He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead.
He had won multiple Emmys and was a well-known face on red carpets, building special relationships with A-listers including Rita Wilson, Melanie Griffiths, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Alyson Hannigan, all of whom were among those to pay tribute at the time.
Joely Fisher, Lisa Ann Walter, Frances and Harry Hamlin attend Sam Rubin’s celebration of life
Pauley had also recalled her own time spent with Sam, penning an emotional tribute that accompanied an old clip of theirs together on KTLA5 News.
“We lost the amazing Sam Rubin today,” she wrote. “Sam has been the entertainment reporter at @ktla5news @ktla_entertainment for decades…but just SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. He was a friend and an excellent human. Having to do endless interviews in the entertainment industry was not a pleasant part of my job, but then there was Sam. Couldn’t wait to see him on the red carpet or in an interview because he was real, he was fun and he was a friend.”
KTLA anchor Frank Buckley announced Sam’s death live on TV, breaking down in tears as he shared the news with viewers: “Our hearts, as you can imagine, are broken. Quite simply, Sam was KTLA.
Smith’s two sons, Toby and Chris, confirmed their mother’s death in a statement to the BBC.
“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” their statement read. “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
They continued, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 during a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was traveling home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shared with wife Jessica Klepser — on January 4. […]
Smith was best known for her roles in the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey franchises. She was also made a Dame Commander in 1990, later receiving a Companion of Honor title from the British royals in 2014.
After Smith’s death, many stars paid their respects to her loved ones. Keep scrolling to read their tributes:
Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville in ‘Downton Abbie’Carnival Productions
Hugh Bonneville
Smith’sDownton costar Bonneville offered his “condolences to her boys and wider family” in a statement to the BBC.
“Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” he added. “She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.”
Rob Lowe
“Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion,” he wrote via X, referring to their experience filming 1993’s Suddenly Last Summer. “She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!”
Natasha Richardson, Maggie Smith and Rob Lowe in ‘Suddenly, Last Summer’BBC
Maren Morris
Morris revealed via her Instagram Story that she always enjoyed Smith’s roles in The Secret Garden, Hook, Sister Act, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
“My childhood,” the singer wrote. “Rest easy, Maggie Smith.”
Downton Abbey caught the attention of millions of viewers throughout its six seasons — and fans are still binge-watching the drama well after its finale. The British series aired on ITV from 2010 to 2015 and was brought to PBS audiences across the pond. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith and more iconic English actors, […]
Omid Djalili
“We’ve lost one the [sic] best today. RIP Maggie Smith,” the British comedian wrote via X.
Gyles Brandreth
The British broadcaster shared a photo from his 2021 interview with Smith.
“The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life,” Brandreth wrote via X. “She was a truly great actress, ‘one of the greats’ & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable.”
Touchstone Pictures
Whoopi Goldberg
Smith’s Sister Act costar gushed about working with the late actress. “Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,” Goldberg wrote via Instagram, sharing a photo of the pair in their nun costumes. “I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind’ [star]. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family … RIP.”
Bonnie Wright
“Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house ❤️ you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community,” Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise alongside Smith, wrote via Instagram. “My favorite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time.”
Devon Murray
Murray, who played Seamus Finnigan in the Harry Potter films, was “saddened” to hear about Smith’s death. “Maggie was the most intimidating person I’ve ever met but once cracked she was the kindest, most caring and loving Lady I’ve ever met,” he wrote via social media. “I’ve so many fond memories with Maggie. From getting drunk while waiting for a Fax in a hotel reception to getting some of the best hugs and cuddles in the world to even Maggie trying to keep a straight face while shooting a scene while a Baboon continuously masturbated as soon as she’d speak 😂. We’ve shared so many great moments together that I will treasure.”
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King Charles III
The King of England issued a statement on behalf of himself and his wife, Queen Camilla.
“My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” Charles wrote in a statement shared via social media. “As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”
Come next month, the Daisy Jones & the Six actress will be releasing her mother’s memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which she helped finish in the wake of her death in 2023.
The only child of legend Elvis Presley, the singer unexpectedly passed away aged 54 on January 12, 2023, after suffering from a cardiac arrest caused by a small bowel obstruction from a previous gastric bypass surgery.
The Life of Lisa Marie Presley
In honor of the poignant day ahead, Riley took to Instagram and shared a video montage featuring rarely-seen, if ever, home videos of her mom with her dad Elvis, and later on in her life.
“Sometimes the most famous among us are the least known,” the video read, as it cut to more clips of Lisa Marie.
It added: “Now, in the last words of the only child of an American icon, Lisa Marie Presley tells her whole story for the first time. In a memoir faithfully completed by her daughter, Riley Keough. Profoundly moving and deeply revealing, this is a book like no other.”
The montage, set to Lisa Marie’s 2012 song “Storm & Grace,” further included videos of both her as a child with her parents, including Priscilla Presley, and later as an adult with her daughter, whose dad is Danny Keough.
“The last words. FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN, out October 8,” she wrote in her caption, and fans were then quick to take to the comments section under the post with supportive messages.
“Thank you so much Riley for finishing your mom’s book, very appreciated. Such a labor of love to take this on. Can’t thank you enough,” one wrote, as others followed suit with: “This gave me chills and deeply touched my soul. Can’t wait to read it. Loved Lisa so much. Forever in my heart,” and: “OMG! I’m crying with that video… our Lisa,” as well as: “Can’t wait to read this book.”
As previously announced, the memoir will cover much of the highs and lows of Lisa Marie’s life: growing up in Graceland and her relationship with her father, her difficult relationship with her mother, insight into her marriages to Michael Jackson, Nicolas Cage, Michael Lockwood and Danny, as well as the heartbreak she experienced after her son Benjamin Keough’s suicide in 2020.
Riley will be voicing the audiobook, and in a statement earlier this year when she announced the book, she shared: “Few people had the opportunity to know who my mom really was, other than being Elvis’ daughter,” adding: “I was lucky to have had that opportunity and working on preparing her autobiography for publication has been a privilege, albeit a bittersweet one.”
“I’m so excited to share my mom now, at her most vulnerable and most honest,” she continued in her statement, and concluded: “In doing so, I do hope that readers come to love my mom as much as I did.”
“Rest in transition, Uncle Tito ❤️,” Paris, 26, wrote over a photo of Tito and her late father shared via her Instagram Story on Monday, September 16.
Prince, 27, meanwhile, shared a recent family photo of the Jackson clan via his Instagram on Monday, alongside the caption: “Love you forever Poppa T❤️.” The photo features Prince with his relatives including Tito, grandmother Katherine Jackson, aunt La Toya Jackson, and several of his uncles and cousins.
“He always spoke so highly about you Prince and was so proud of the man you have become and your love for family,” Tito’s son, TJ, commented under the post. “Thank you for being such a great nephew to him. ❤️”
TJ, 46, had custody of Prince, Paris and their younger brother, Bigi, following Michael’s death in 2009. He was made their co-guardian, along with their grandmother Katherine, in 2012. In 2019, TJ said he had sole custody of his late uncle’s children. (Prince, Paris and Bigi are now all legal adults.)
TJ and his brothers Taj, 51, and Taryll, 49, who are better known as the pop group 3T, announced their father’s death on Monday, September 16, via Instagram.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Joe and Katherine Jackson’s famous brood extended way beyond the Jackson 5. While the late Michael Jackson was perhaps the most famous member of the talented family, and his sister Janet a close second, most of their eight siblings worked in music and entertainment since childhood. Joe and Katherine — who […]
Tito died Sunday, September 15, after police responded to a medical emergency near a mall in Gallup, New Mexico. “The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was pronounced dead,” the Gallup Police Department said in a statement Monday. “Following this, the hospital requested the presence of detectives and the Office of the Medical Investigator. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Toriano ‘Tito’ Jackson from Tulsa, Oklahoma.”
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” Taj, Taryll and TJ wrote alongside a series of photos spanning their father’s life on Monday. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
Tito Jackson.Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us,” the trio continued. “Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
TJ took to his Instagram late Monday night to share a personal tribute to his father, writing, “Words can’t express how much I already miss my father. It doesn’t feel real. I know some think as a middle-aged man I’m not supposed to hurt this way but that just isn’t the truth. Right now this is crushing me.”
Michael Jackson left more than an extensive musical legacy and his former estate of Neverland Ranch behind when he died at the age of the 50 on June 25, 2009 — the “Billie Jean” singer also had three children. Michael’s first child, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., was born to the musician and nurse Debbie Rowe, […]
“Losing a parent is extremely tough. Losing both in the way I have has given me an incredibly unwelcoming feeling and a paranoia that I will have to overcome,” he wrote alongside a series of photos of Tito with his loved ones.
TJ concluded his post, “Right now I’m in so much pain but like he showed me throughout his life I will never give up and will make the best of this thing called life. I will get through this. One day at a time. I love you pops and will forever miss you.”
Rebecca Cheptegei (2nd-R)FERENC ISZA/AFP via Getty Images
Rebecca Cheptegei’s former partner has died from injuries sustained in the attack that killed the Ugandan Olympic athlete.
Dickson Ndiema was pronounced dead on Monday, September 9, at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, according to a statement from the hospital obtained by The New York Times. The statement noted that he had developed respiratory failure after sustaining severe airway burns. Ndiema was 32.
Cheptegei died last week at age 33, days after Ndiema, her ex-boyfriend, allegedly doused her in gasoline and set her on fire. The athlete was taken to the hospital on September 1 following a disagreement with Ndiema at her home in Kenya.
Following the attack, Cheptegei was left with burns on 75 percent of her body and was in critical condition. She died three days later on September 4 after experiencing organ failure.
Ndiema, meanwhile, received burns on about 40 percent of his body and had been receiving treatment at the same hospital as Cheptegei. Police had planned to charge him with murder if he recovered from his burns.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” Uganda’s athletics federation shared via X on Thursday, September 5. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
Dickson NdiemaCourtesy of Dickson Ndiema/Facebook
Donald Rukare, the president of Uganda’s Olympic committee, also shared his condolences for Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics earlier this summer.
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” Rukare wrote via X on Thursday. “May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 during a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was traveling home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shared with wife Jessica Klepser — on January 4. […]
Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters last week that he had previously informed the police that Ndiema had been stalking and threatening his daughter but said authorities had been “taking the matter for granted.”
“I have a lot of grief because I’ve lost my daughter,” he told the Los Angeles Times in a story published Thursday. “As it is now, the criminal who harmed my daughter is a murderer and I am yet to see what the security officials are doing. He is still free and might even flee.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
The 55-year-old songstress shared on August 26 that both her mother Patricia and older sister Alison had tragically died over that weekend. The former was 87 while the latter was 62.
For the first time since, however, she has returned to social media, sharing a glimpse into her recording studio as she rehearses for an upcoming slate of shows.
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Mariah is scheduled to perform in China on September 15 and 16, followed by shows in Brazil on September 20 and 21 (as part of the Rock in Rio festivities), and she’s already back to preparing for her international sojourn.
Her heartfelt message also touched upon the support she’d received from her fanbase and the difficult weeks she’d endured. “Back at work,” she wrote.
“It’s been a couple of rough weeks, but I appreciate everyone’s love and support so much and I can’t wait to see my fans in China & Brazil. Love you!”
Fans welcomed her back with open arms and showed their support for the star. “WE LOVE YOU MARIAH! I’m so glad you’re taking care of yourself during this time,” one wrote, with another saying: “So happy to see you back at work, you deserve our support always,” and a third adding: “How I wish you only knewwwwww… how the lambily feels for you, Queen!”
People shared a statement from Mariah on the deaths in her family. “My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day,” she told the publication.
Mariah will be performing in both China and Brazil later this month
“I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed,” she continued. “I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time.”
Patricia and her ex-husband Alfred Carey welcomed three children — Mariah, Alison, and their older brother Morgan. Her relationship with her family was complicated, though. After her parents divorced when she was just three, she stayed with her mother, as did her brother, while her sister moved in with her father, and she had little contact with Alfred after.
Mariah with her mother Patricia Hickey and a young Monroe
She has spoken in the past about her difficult relationship with her mother, who was also a singer. Mariah wrote in her memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey: “Like many aspects of my life, my journey with my mother has been full of contradictions and competing realities. It’s never been only black-and-white — it’s been a whole rainbow of emotions.”
Mariah’s late sister Alison who died the same day as her mother
Mariah added: “Our relationship is a prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration and disappointment. A complicated love tethers my heart to my mother’s.” Her relationship with her sister remained more private, although she’s spoken in the past about their tense childhood dynamic.
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Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died at the age of 33 after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend, according to multiple reports.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” Uganda’s athletics federation shared via X on Thursday, September 5.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace,” the post concluded.
Cheptegei was taken to hospital on Sunday, September 1, following a disagreement with her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, at her home in Kenya, reported the BBC and the Associated Press.
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 during a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was traveling home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shared with wife Jessica Klepser — on January 4. […]
Dr. Owen Menach, acting director of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where Cheptegei was admitted, told local media that Cheptegei died after all her organs failed on Wednesday, September 4, per the BBC and Sky News.
Donald Rukare, the president of Uganda’s Olympic committee, wrote via X on Thursday, “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.”
“May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” Rukare added.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom previously said that Ndiema “bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement” that took place on Sunday, per the AP.
“The couple were heard quarreling outside their house,” Kosiom said, according to the BBC, who referred to Ndiema as Cheptegei’s “former” boyfriend in their report. “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
Rebecca Cheptegei.FERENC ISZA/AFP via Getty Images
The AP reported that Ndiema received burns during the incident as well and both were taken to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, in Eldoret, a city in Kenya.
Cheptegei competed as a long-distance and marathon runner for Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place.
The AP reported that she and Ndemia had argued over land that her house was built on. Cheptegei’s parents said the athlete bought land and moved to Trans Nzoia in order to continue her training.
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After the incident, police commander Kosiom spoke with The Standard, revealing that neighbors put out the fire before rushing Cheptegei and Ndiema to the hospital. A “five-liter yellow jerrican, a bag and a black marvin” and “burnt mobile phone” were reportedly collected at the scene for “forensic analysis,” Kosiom continued.
Prior to Cheptegei’s appearance in this year’s Paris Olympics, she competed in various marathons. She ended 2022 with a fourth-place finish in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, which allowed her to secure her spot at the Olympics. Cheptegei has been competing as a professional athlete since 2010, winning the Kampala 10,000 meter race in Kampala, Uganda that year.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Obi Ndefo, who starred as Bodie Wells on Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 51.
His death was announced on Facebook by his sister, Nkem Ndefo, on Saturday, August 31.
“Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace ,” Nkem captioned a photo of herself smiling with Obi. She did not give any details of his death.
Us Weekly has reached out to Nkem for further information.
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 during a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was traveling home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shared with wife Jessica Klepser — on January 4. […]
The actor and yoga teacher was best known for his work on Dawson’s Creek, playing the recurring role of Bodie from 1998 to 2002. Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother Gale Leery on the series, posted a tribute to her former costar on Instagram Saturday upon hearing of his death.
“These words don’t come easy 💔It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend. You always were and always will be a bright shining light,” she captioned a series of throwback moments from the show together. “What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent. I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years. Rest in peace sweet warrior.”
Humes also tagged fellow Dawson’s Creek alum in her post, including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek.
Obi NdefoCourtesy of Obi Ndefo/Instagram
Obi’s death comes several years after a tragic hit-and-run accident took both of his legs in 2019. The actor had been loading groceries into his car in Los Angeles when a speeding drunk driver slammed into him from behind, severing his right leg and damaging his left severely enough to require amputation to save his life.
Still, despite the horror of what happened, Obi chose to keep a positive attitude, continuing to teach yoga classes. “This is just so horrendous what happened to me, why would I compound this by feeling bad about it?” he told the Los Angeles Times in December 2019. “I didn’t even have to choose positivity.”
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“How do you know how you would handle this? How do you know what your own reserves are?” he added. “And anyway, what’s the alternative?”
Ever since Dawson’s Creek premiered in 1998, the show became a favorite among fans and remains one of the most popular teen dramas to ever hit the small screen. The series followed the life of Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), a tomboy who is just trying to make it through high school following the death of […]
A GoFundMe started for his expenses following the accident raised more than $287,000.
A graduate of Yale University’s drama school, Obi also made appearances on such shows as Angel, The West Wing, The Jamie Foxx Show, Stargate SG-1, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Crossing Jordan, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager.
NEW YORK (AP) — Leonard Riggio, a brash, self-styled underdog who transformed the publishing industry by building Barnes & Noble into the country’s most powerful bookseller before his company was overtaken by the rise of Amazon.com, has died at age 83.
Riggio died Tuesday “following a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease,” according to a statement issued by his family. He had stepped down as chairman in 2019 after the chain was sold to the hedge fund Elliott Advisors.
“His leadership spanned decades, during which he not only grew the company but also nurtured a culture of innovation and a love for reading,” reads a statement from Barnes & Noble.
Riggio’s near-half-century reign began in 1971 when he used a $1.2 million loan to purchase Barnes & Noble’s name and the flagship store on lower Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. He acquired hundreds of new stores over the next 20 years and, in the 1990s, launched what became a nationwide empire of “superstores” that combined a chain’s discount prices and massive capacity with the cozy appeal of couches, reading chairs and cafes.
“Our bookstores were designed to be welcoming as opposed to intimidating,” Riggio told The New York Times in 2016. “These weren’t elitist places. You could go in, get a cup of coffee, sit down and read a book for as long as you like, use the restroom. These were innovations that we had that no one thought was possible.”
He grew up working class in New York City, liked to say he preferred socializing with childhood pals over fellow business leaders and was informal enough among associates to be known as “Lenny.” But in his time no one in the book world was more feared. With the power to make any given book a bestseller, or a flop, to alter the market on an idle whim, Riggio could terrify publishers simply by suggesting prices were too high or that he might sign up such top sellers as Stephen King and John Grisham and publish them himself. He even tried to buy the country’s biggest book wholesaler, Ingram, in 1999, but backed off after facing government resistance.
By the end of the 1990s, an estimated one of every eight books sold in the U.S. were purchased through the chain, where front table displays were so valuable that publishers paid thousands of dollars to have their books included. Thousands of independent sellers went out of business even as Riggio insisted that he was expanding the market by opening up in neighborhoods without an existing store. Instead, independent owners spoke of being overwhelmed by competition from both Barnes & Noble and Borders Book Group, the rival chains sometimes setting up stores in close proximity to each other and to the locally owned business.
Barnes & Noble became so identified as an overdog that one of the 1990s’ most popular romantic comedies, “You’ve Got Mail,” starred Tom Hanks as an executive for the “Fox Books” chain and Meg Ryan as the owner of an endangered independent store in Manhattan.
“We are going to seduce them with our square footage, and our discounts, and our deep arm chairs, and our cappuccino,” Hanks’ character confidently declares. “They’re going to hate us at the beginning, but we’ll get ’em in the end.”
Acrimony from independent booksellers
For a time, it seemed industry conversation was an ongoing response to Barnes & Noble. Publishers were known to change the cover or title of a book simply because a Barnes & Noble official had objected. “Angela’s Ashes” author Frank McCourt found himself condemned by the American Booksellers Association, the trade organization for independents, after agreeing to appear in a Barnes & Noble commercial. On the floor of the industry’s annual national trade show, long hosted by the ABA, independent store employees would hiss at attendees wearing Barnes & Noble badges.
When novelist Russell Banks, addressing Barnes & Noble’s annual shareholder meeting in 1995, declared that he was both a stock holder and a happy B&N customer, some independent sellers stopped offering his books.
“You must know that I’ll never read, buy or sell another word you write,” Richard Howorth, owner of Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi, wrote to him. “These are the kindest things I can think of to say to you.”
Tensions led to legal action when the ABA — on the eve of the 1994 convention — announced it was suing Barnes & Noble and five leading publishers for unfair trade practices. Some of the publishers were so angered they boycotted the gathering the following year and only returned after the ABA sold the show to Reed Exhibitions. In 1998, the ABA sued Barnes & Noble and Borders for unfair business practices (both cases were settled out of court).
The internet shifts bookselling
Riggio began the 2000s at the height of power, with more than 700 superstores and hundreds of others outlets. But internet commerce was growing quickly and Barnes & Noble, with its roots in physical retail, lacked the imagination and flexibility of the startup from Seattle that called itself “Earth’s Biggest Bookstore,” Amazon.com. The online giant launched in 1995 by Jeff Bezos gained business throughout the 2000s and by the early 2010s had displaced Barnes & Noble through such innovations as the Kindle e-book reader and the Amazon Prime subscription service.
Bezos would liken himself to David taking down Goliath, although the contrast between the leaders also had the feel of an Aesop’s fable: The muscular, mustachioed Riggio, a boxer’s son, upended by the quick and clever Bezos.
“We’re great booksellers; we know how to do that,’’ Riggio acknowledged to the Times in 2016. “We weren’t constituted to be a technology company.”
Barnes & Noble started its own online site in the late 1990s, but such initiatives as the Nook e-book reader and a self-publishing platform failed to stop Amazon. Not even the collapse of Borders after the 2008-2009 economic crisis mattered for Barnes & Noble, which after decades of expansion closed more than 100 stores between 2009 and 2019.
An unlikely ally of independent booksellers
By the time of Riggio’s retirement, independent sellers regarded the chain not as a threat, but as an ally in the fight against Amazon to keep physical stores alive. At the 2018 booksellers convention, Riggio and ABA CEO Oren Teicher, once enemies in business and in court, praised each other during a joint appearance.
“My standing here, doing what I’m about to do (introduce Riggio) would have been impossible to imagine several years ago,” Teicher said at the time. “The simple fact is that our business is stronger and American readers benefit when there is a vibrant and healthy network of brick-and-mortar bookshops all across the country.”
During the 2010s, Barnes & Noble seemed unleadable and unwanted. The board announced in 2010 that the company was for sale, but no one offered to buy it. Four CEOs left in five years and Barnes & Noble’s stock dropped 60% between 2015 and 2018. New rumors of a sale lasted for months before Elliott Advisors, which had previously purchased the British chain Waterstones, bought Barnes & Noble for $638 million and hired Waterstones chief executive James Daunt to lead B&N.
“I don’t miss being a business person, I had enough of that. But I do miss the bookselling part, helping to find books to recommend to customers,” Riggio told Publishers Weekly in 2021.
Riggio’s roots and early bookselling ventures
Bookselling and family often overlapped for Riggio. His brother Steve Riggio served for years as vice chairman of Barnes & Noble and another brother, Vincent “Jimi” Riggio, helped run a trucking company that shipped the store’s books. After being interviewed in 1974 by the trade publication College Store Executive, Leonard Riggio met for coffee with the editor, Louise Gebbia, who seven years later became his second wife (Riggio had three children, two with his first wife, one with his second).
Leonard S. Riggio was the eldest son of a prize fighter (who twice defeated Rocky Graziano) turned cab driver and a dress maker. Even in childhood, he advanced quickly, skipping two grades and attending one of the city’s top high schools, Brooklyn Tech. He studied metallurgical engineering at New York University’s night school before focusing on commerce, and by day absorbed the bookselling world and the rising cultural rebellion of the 1960s.
Working as a floor manager at the campus book store, he learned enough to drop out of school and start a rival shop in 1965 — SBX (Student Book Exchange), where he allowed student activists to use the copying machine to print copies of anti-war leaflets. SBX was so successful he bought several other campus stores and was in position by 1971 to buy Barnes & Noble and its single Manhattan store. A few years later, he became the rare bookseller to run television commercials, with the catchphrase “Barnes & Noble! Of Course! Of Course!”
Riggio and the independent community may have seemed to hold opposing values, but they shared a love of reading and the arts and a liberal political outlook. He was a generous philanthropist and a prominent supporter of Democratic politicians. He was even friendly with the consumer activist and presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who featured Riggio, Ted Turner and Yoko Ono among others in his 2009 novel “Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!”, in which Nader imagines a progressive revolution from above.
“Ever since he was a boy from Brooklyn, he’d had a visceral reaction to the way workings stiffs and the poor were treated on a day-to-day basis,” Nader wrote of Riggio, who did at times stand apart from his management peers. When some 200 business leaders were questioned by Fortune magazine in the 1990s about their political ideas, only Riggio supported the raising of worker pay.
“Money can become a burden, like something you carry on your shoulders,” he told New York magazine in 1999. “My nature is to be a ball-buster, but my role is to help people.”
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This story has been updated to correct the names of Riggio’s second wife and one of his brothers. They are Louise Gebbia, not Louise Altavilla, and Vincent “Jimi,” not Thomas.
Sidney Raymond Eudy, a professional wrestler known as Sid Vicious who was known for his intense persona and imposing stature, has died, his son announced Monday. He was 63.
Gunnar Eudy, one of the wrestler’s two sons, wrote on Facebook that his father died after “battling cancer for several years.”
“He was a man of strength, kindness, and love, and his presence will be greatly missed,” his son wrote. “We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this loss.”
The 6-foot-9-inch Eudy went by many names in the ring, including Sid Justice and Sycho Sid, and rose to prominence at the height of the WrestleMania craze in the 1990s. He was a two-time champion in the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) and also performed for its ’90s rival World Championship Wrestling and the United States Wrestling Association. He faced off against Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker among other stars.
In a statement, WWE called Eudy “one of the most imposing and terrifying competitors of his generation” who had a “natural charisma that immediately connected with the WWE Universe.”
“Sid’s reputation as one of the toughest and most thrilling superstars cemented his legacy in WWE, and his influence can still be seen in wrestling rings around the world,” the statement said.
Eudy was born in West Memphis, Arkansas, and lived in Tennessee for many years. Survivors include his wife, Sabrina Estes Eudy, his sons Frank and Gunnar, and his grandchildren.
