Liam Payne's family says 'media attention' of death investigation has caused 'lasting damage'

Liam Payne's family is speaking out against the "constant" media coverage surrounding the former "One Direction" star's death.

"Liam's death was an unspeakable tragedy. This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him," they wrote in a statement provided to USA TODAY Monday.

Payne's death has unspooled as a multi-pronged tragedy with details emerging of heavy drug use and a high blood alcohol content. The singer, 31, died in October after falling from a Buenos Aires, Argentina, hotel balcony.

Payne is survived by his son Bear, 7, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl Cole; his parents, Geoff and Karen; and two siblings, Ruth and Nicola.

"Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him. Instead, Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother and all of Liam’s friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear," the family said.

In the aftermath, five people were charged in connection with his death, three with negligent homicide, or unintentional manslaughter, and two with supplying drugs. Among those charged were hotel employees, and a friend of Payne's. In February, charges against three of the defendants were dropped − but those accused of supplying the drugs remain legally liable.

"We understand that the investigation into Liam's death was absolutely necessary, and the family recognises the work done by the Argentinian authorities," Payne's family continued in their statement. "However, the family accepts the Court of Appeal's decision to drop all charges."

Roger Nores, a friend of Payne's, was among those who saw his charges dropped after a panel of judges ruled that Nores did not contribute to Payne "obtaining and consuming alcohol" and could not have prevented the singer's death even if Nores had "stayed in his company at all times" to prevent his "state of intoxication."

Nores is now suing Geoff Payne for alleged defamation, claiming he shared "false" and "misleading" information with Argentine prosecutors in the death investigation of Liam.

"The constant media attention and speculation which has accompanied the process has exacted indescribable, lasting damage on the family, particularly on Liam's son who is trying to process emotions which no 7-year-old should have to experience. The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so," the statement continued.

Payne, one part of a five-man boyband that upended the pop-sphere, has existed in the public eye since he was 16. That One Direction was a cultural phenomenon is an understatement, and the interest around his death has matched some of the manic and microscopic attention garnered at the height of the group's fame.

Liam Payne Brit Awards tribute: Watch

"This weekend, at the Brit Awards, Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over," his family concluded. "We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world. Liam, you are so loved and missed."

The tribute, introduced by host Jack Whitehall, featured a video of Payne singing "Little Things," one of One Direction's most famous songs. The montage layered reflections from Payne about fame and his talent for singing over photos throughout his career. Whitehall called Payne "a supremely gifted musician" and "an incredibly kind soul."

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, KiMi Robinson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liam Payne family speaks out on death, takes aim at media attention