"Beyond devastated": One Direction pay tribute to Liam Payne
<p>One Direction band members Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have shared emotional tributes to Liam Payne, who died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony on Thursday. </p>
<p>Payne's <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/one-direction-star-passes-away-aged-31" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a> was confirmed by Argentinian media outlet <em>La Nacion</em>, who reported that Payne fell from around 13 or 14 metres while on holiday in Buenos Aires and suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life", while Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, confirmed "there was no possibility of resuscitation.”</p>
<p>His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fellow artists and millions of fans expressing their sadness online. </p>
<p>Louis Tomlinson, one of the members of One Direction, shared a lengthy post paying tribute to his friend and bandmate, recalling some of the moments they shared. </p>
<p>"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother," he wrote alongside a photo of the pair on stage. "Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. "</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>Tomlinson then shared a "message to you Liam if you’re listening", writing, "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. "</p>
<p>He went on to share a message to Payne's seven-year-old son Bear, adding, "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."</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>Zayn Malik, another member of One Direction, also shared his own tribute, writing how he has found himself talking out loud to Payne “hoping you can hear me”.</p>
<p>“I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” he continued.</p>
<p>“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let you know. that you were my friend and I was loved.”</p>
<p>“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give just to give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.” </p>
<p>“There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. 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,” he concluded the post.</p>
<p>Harry Styles also shared a tribute after Liam's sudden death, writing, "I am truly devastated by Liam's passing."</p>
<p>"His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it," he continued.</p>
<p>"Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend."</p>
<p>He concluded his message, which was shared alongside the "🖤" emoji and a photo of Payne looking out onto the stage, with: "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."</p>
<p>The One Direction Instagram account also shared a statement from all four of the members, that said, “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."</p>
<p>“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>The statement was signed from Louis and Zayn, as well as Niall Horan and Harry Styles.</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>
