Tributes are pouring in after the passing of former One Direction star Liam Payne on October 16th. Including his former One Direction band members, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan.
The former band members released a joint statement to the official One Direction Instagram account saying “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.” “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
Payne, 31, passed away after falling from a 3rd story balcony of his hotel room in Argentina. He was in Argentina to attend Horan’s concert on October 2nd.
After the joint statement each member took to their personal Instagram accounts to pay tribute to Liam.
Zayn Malik’s touching tribute started by saying “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me” Malik would also credit Payne for helping him through what he says was one of the most difficult times of his life, saying “I never got to thank you for supporting me through one of the most difficult times of my life. When I was missing home as a 17 year old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.” Malik would also share a touching photo of the two sleeping next to each other while they were younger. “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.” The statement posted on Thursday concluded.
Harry Styles would then pay tribute saying, “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did.” The post read along with a photo of Payne performing to a sold out crowd. Styles concluded the tribute by paying his respects to his family saying “My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth. His son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
Louis Tomlinson would pay his tributes by posting a photo of Liam with his arm around him while the two were performing, saying “I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny and kind soul. Tomlinson credited Payne as “an incredible songwriter” and added that “we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had”. He would then send a personal message to Liam finishing with “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”
Niall Horan, who’s concert Payne attended on Oct. 2nd started by saying “It just doesn’t feel real.” The tribute continued “I feel so fortunate I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.” and finished the statement simply saying “Love you brother.”