One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson has taken to social media with a heartrending tribute after the untimely passing of his bandmate Liam Payne. Liam tragically lost his life at just 31 yesterday following a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In a sorrowful message, accompanied by a stage photograph of the two together, Louis pledged to care for Liam’s seven year old son Bear, whom he co-parents with Cheryl. Devastated, Louis confessed it was excruciating to pen such a post, acknowledging that he felt like he “lost a brother”.
Addressing Liam directly, he voiced: “A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.”
He expressed immense gratitude for their deepened bond post-band—cherishing hours-long phone conversations filled with nostalgia over countless beautiful shared experiences, which he believed would last a lifetime. Mourning the lost opportunity to perform together once again, Louis continued by imparting an emotional vow regarding Liam’s son: “I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.
“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”
Following the heartbreaking news, One Direction also shared a message. A statement signed by “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, Liam’s bandmates, read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”, reports the Mirror.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
Louis also penned his own heartfelt message, writing: “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.
“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. Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.
“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.”
In a separate statement, Alberto Crescenti, a spokesperson for the city ambulance service, revealed that the pop star had plummeted approximately 40 metres, sustaining “severe injuries which were incompatible with life.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.