Louis Tomlinson has shared a heartbreaking tribute to bandmate Liam Payne, after his death at the age of 31.
The One Direction star plunged from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, and died instantly from multiple injuries.
In a statement shared to Instagram, Louis said he was ‘beyond devastated’ by his friend’s death, and said that he will ‘always be an uncle’ for the late singer’s eight-year-old son Bear.
‘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.
Louis Tomlinson has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his bandmate and ‘brother’ Liam Payne, after his death at the age of 31
In a statement shared to Instagram, Louis said he was ‘beyond devastated’ by his friend’s death, and said that he will ‘always be an uncle’ for the late singer’s eight-year-old son Bear
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.
‘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.’
Louis shared the moving post along with a snap of himself and Liam performing together in 2015, before One Direction announced their hiatus the following year.
Just minutes later, Zayn Malik also took to social media to share his own lengthy tribute, with a sweet snap of himself and Liam asleep together
In his tribute, Zayn wrote: ‘I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time’
It came after the band broke their silence to share a joint statement following Liam’s passing, saying they were ‘completely devastated’ by Liam’s death
