I knew Liam Payne - the shockwaves after his death show what a kind soul he was

In the early hours of a foggy Los Angeles morning, the news broke that Liam Payne, the former One Direction superstar, had tragically passed away. Liam, only 31 years old, was found dead under unclear circumstances, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. For many of us who knew him - either personally or professionally - it feels like the world has lost not just a talented artist, but a kind soul who was only beginning to find his footing in an often cutthroat industry.

As someone who has spent decades working as a publicist to the stars, I've seen firsthand how the loss of a figure like Liam reverberates throughout the industry. In a city built on fame, power, and connections, his death is already reshaping conversations in Los Angeles - from major studio executives to young actors hoping to follow in his footsteps.

In an industry that can often feel cold and transactional, Liam's death has cast a long shadow over Los Angeles. Major studios were reportedly in talks with Payne about branching out into acting, with whispers of a major role in an upcoming superhero franchise. The idea of him crossing over into films was exciting - a career evolution that could have solidified him as more than just a pop star.

"Liam had so much more to give," one high-profile agent told me. "We were just beginning to see him step into his own, not just as an artist, but as an entertainer who could redefine his career."

Liam's peers in the entertainment industry also spoke out. Paris Hilton tweeted: "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend." His collaborator, Zedd, shared: "RIP Liam... I can't believe this is real... absolutely heartbreaking ..."

Singer Corbyn Besson added on X: "damn this liam payne news got me speechless... looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days." These messages illustrate how deeply Payne's death has affected his peers, especially those who had worked closely with him.

Charlie Puth shared a heartfelt post with a video and photo of himself and Liam: "I am in shock right now... He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone..."

Other musicians who had collaborated with Liam also expressed their grief. Ty Dolla $ign posted: "Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr." Meanwhile, J Balvin shared a photo of himself with Payne and wrote about his "Familiar" duet partner: "Rest in peace my g."

Harry Styles' mother, Anne Twist, posted a gut-wrenching message on Instagram: "Just a boy..." with a broken heart emoji, hours after the news of Payne's death went public. Anne's statement touched the hearts of One Direction fans worldwide.

The official page also posted a heartfelt message: "We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of , Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world."

Veteran musicians shared their sorrow as well. guitarist Ronnie Wood, who had performed with One Direction in 2014, posted on X: "Shocked and saddened. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed."

There's also a sense of fragility that Payne's death has instilled in the hearts of many young entertainers. Los Angeles is notorious for chewing up and spitting out its young stars, and his passing has reignited conversations about mental health in showbiz, with many questioning whether enough is being done to support those in the limelight.

The sad irony is that Payne had always appeared to be handling the pressures of fame with grace. After One Direction's split, he reinvented himself as a solo artist and managed to carve out a steady career in the years since. He remained down-to-earth, far removed from the cliché of the out-of-control pop star. This makes his loss even more devastating to those who knew him or worked alongside him.

Liam's passing doesn't just mark the end of an era for the One Direction fandom. It leaves a palpable absence in Hollywood's larger entertainment ecosystem. His ability to navigate both the UK and U.S. markets made him a unique figure-someone who could blend his boy-band charm with real musical talent and business savvy.

Already, there are rumors that a tribute concert is in the works. 's power players are recognizing this as an opportunity not only to honor Payne's memory but also to raise awareness about mental health in the entertainment industry.

His legacy, though cut tragically short, will undoubtedly continue to influence generations of musicians, actors, and entertainers.

We've lost a great talent, but more importantly, we've lost someone who had the potential to change the very culture of . His kindness, humility, and generosity were his true hallmarks-traits that are sometimes in short supply in this town.

As we grapple with this loss, let's hope Liam Payne's story serves as a wake-up call for an industry that too often overlooks the well-being of its brightest stars. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Cheryl J Kagan is a celebrity publicist in Los Angeles