One Direction stars attend Liam Payne's funeral in UK

Growing up, I was a massive fan of One Direction, so I almost felt like a little piece of the child in me was gone,

said 20-year-old Tara Lloyd, who works at the nearby Amersham Hospital

Because his death was such a public death, to have the funeral in a private way ... I think it was very nice,

said onlooker Sheila Morris, a 65-year-old from Amersham

We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul."

In a short statement following his death, Payne's family said

It's a beautiful church ... it's a very beautiful place for a funeral,

she said

But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly,

it continued

We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,

the statement said

It's been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We've got a lot to talk about. And I would like to square up a couple of things with the boy. No bad vibes or anything like that,

Payne had said in the video

Zayn Malikdirection star

1D never had a slogan, but if we had, Zayn might have stayed."

In 2017, however, at the Glamour Awards, Payne seemingly threw a snide comment about Malik, saying

I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like?"

he shared

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.

West Brom wrote after the singer's tragic death

I got to know him when he first did X Factor,

Chiles recalled

I don't get to the games as often as I'd like, though,

he added

I was so gobsmacked. It brought tears to my eyes,

Caroline Jordan, 58, told CNN on Wednesday

I’ve watched him from the minute they performed as a band,

she said

Cheryl (singer)singer

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."

Posting a monochrome photo of Liam and Bear as infant lying on a bed, Cheryl expressed

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."

She added

James Cordentelevision host

Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking

After his death James paid tribute to Liam saying

His family have gone to great lengths to put together the perfect service and give him the send off he deserves

One source told The Sun

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,

he wrote

And I can't explain 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 wrote