The music world is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of former
One Direction member
Liam Payne yesterday (16th October). Payne, 31, passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The remaining members of One Direction -
Louis Tomlinson,
Zayn Malik,
Niall Horan, and
Harry Styles - have now released a joint statement expressing their devastation.
"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," the four write. "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. 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 Tomlinson, who shared a particularly close bond with Payne, penned a deeply personal and emotional tribute:
"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."
Tomlinson reminisced about their first meeting and Payne's impact on the band, recalling: "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."
He highlighted Payne's musical talents and contributions to One Direction, calling his bandmate "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," he revealed. "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 particularly poignant part of his tribute, Tomlinson addressed Payne directly:
"I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I'm really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. 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."
Tomlinson also made a touching promise regarding Payne'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," he wrote. "Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X"
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBPRBySzeJW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading">View this post on Instagram</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBPRBySzeJW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading">A post shared by Louis Tomlinson (@louist91)</a>
