Louis Tomlinson, 32, has issued a tear-jerking tribute to Liam Payne after his shock death on Wednesday night.
While all four of Payne’s One Direction bandmates have issued a joint statement, Tomlinson also took to Instagram to share a sweet photo along with a heartbreaking statement to the 31-year-old.
The singer wrote: “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.
Louis Tomlinson paid a heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne
Getty
“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.” (sic)
It comes after Payne fell to his death from the balcony of an Argentinian hotel on Wednesday. He had been holidaying at Buenos Aires with his girlfriend, who had left a few days earlier.
Alberto Crescenti, the city’s ambulance service provider spokesman, told the media shortly after: “The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur.
“At 5″11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead.
“Our role was to head there quickly, give medical attention, and try to resuscitate him, but his injuries were incompatible with life.
“Based on what the team saw, there was apparently a cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death.”
“Afterwards we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal.
“There was no possibility of resuscitating him.”
LISTEN HERE: Translated transcript of emergency 911 call from staff in Liam Payne’s Argentinian hotel
Payne leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.
Cheryl hasn’t issued a statement of her own but has been acknowledged in some of the many tributes which have flooded in for Payne.
Former X Factor star Shayne Ward, who’s currently competing in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, took to Instagram to pay his respects to Payne and offer Cheryl his condolences.
“It’s such heartbreaking news to wake up to,” Ward began alongside a heartbroken emoji.
“I met liam several times throughout the years, and he was always such a lovely lad.
“It’s a very sad day! Sending all my love and condolences to his son and family and @cherylofficial x #ripliampayne,” he concluded as he showed his support for the Girls Aloud star.
