Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik mourn loss of Liam Payne as One Direction share joint statement
Following the sudden and shocking death of One Direction singer Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have released a statement memorialising their fallen friend and bandmate.
Payne passed away on October 16th, 2023, following a fall from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. Before his death, he had been staying in Argentina and had gone to see fellow One Direction star Niall Horan perform weeks before at the Movistar Arena in the city.
Earlier today, a preliminary autopsy report (via Billboard) established that Payne died following internal and external traumas sustained in the fall in the Palermo district.
Prior to the fatal incident, the hotel manager said in a phone call to the emergency services that he was worried about Payne’s welfare and suspected the singer was under the influence of drugs and alcohol which had led him to become “aggressive”.
Alberto Crescenti, an Argentine emergency medical services director, also told local media outlet TN: “At 17.04 we were alerted through 911 about a person who was in the inner courtyard of the Casa Azul hotel. A few minutes later [an] emergency team arrived and confirmed the death of this man who we later learned was from a musical group.”
Now, in a joint statement posted to their Instagram, the band asked for time to grieve as they process the loss of their musical brother, saying, “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. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.”
Despite their breakup following the release of the album Made in the A.M. in 2015, the band have held fond memories of their time together, remarking that their time with Payne is something that would be “treasured forever”.
Louis Tomlinson issues own statement on Liam Payne’s passing
In addition to the band’s joint statement, Louis Tomlinson has given a separate statement on his friend’s death, saying that Payne was somebody who he “looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.
Reflecting on the start of their friendship, he said: “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.”
Praising Payne’s musical talent, Tomlinson commented: “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.”
Furthermore, he claimed that Payne was the most important member of One Direction, adding, “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.”
The Doncaster native also shared a personal message to Payne, emotionally saying, “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.”
Tomlinson then said that he would be there for Payne’s seven-year-old son, Bear, stating, “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.”
The message concluded with Tomlinson saying: “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”.
Zayn Malik’s tribute to Liam Payne
Zayn Malik has also now posted a personal tribute onInstagram, sharing: “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.”
Looking back on their younger days together, he added: “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 me know you were my friend and that I was loved. Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no fucks about telling people when they were wrong.”
He also called Payne “the most qualified” member of the group “in every sensee”, continuing, “I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional. I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.”
Malik continued: “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 and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, 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.”
After his time in One Direction, Payne moved on to a solo career, including releasing one album, LP1, in 2019. While there had been various singles released and word that he had planned on releasing a second solo album, there has been no word about whether any new material will be released.
While there was new music from Payne released in March, 2024, he had taken a step back from work on his second solo album.
Additionally, Payne’s family have also come out with a statement following the death of their son and brother. While they remember the singer for being a “kind, funny and brave soul”, they have also said that they would like as much privacy at this time to properly process their grief.
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