Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinsonand Harry Styles of One direction spoke in reaction to the death of Liam Payne. Additionally, the group shared a joint statement.
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Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson pay tribute to Liam Payne
On Thursday, October 17th, Malik took it to Instagram to share an old photo of him and Payne. In the photo, Malik is seen resting on Payne’s lap as Payne places his hand on him. The pair appeared to be sleeping.
Additionally, Malik’s posts included an accompanying slide that featured a lengthy message he wrote in honor of his bandmate.
“Liam, I found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you could hear me, I can’t help but selfishly think that there were so many more conversations to have in our lives. I have never been able to thank you enough for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life,” Malik wrote. “…Even though you were younger than me, you were always more sensible than me, you were stubborn, stubborn and didn’t mind telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads over this a few times… I always secretly respected you for that.”
Malik explained that he “lost a brother” with Payne’s passing.
“…I can’t explain what I would give to just hug you one last time and say goodbye properly and tell you that I loved and respected you so much,” Malik wrote. “…there are no words to justify or explain how I feel right now, other than devastated…”
Read Zayn Malik’s full tribute to Liam Payne by swiping below.
Additionally, Louis Tomlinson took it to Instagram around the same time to share his own tribute to Payne. Tomlinson’s post featured a photo of them side by side on stage.
“I’m devastated to write this, but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was someone I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny and kind soul… Liam was an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody, we often talked about going back to the studio together to try and recreate the songwriting chemistry we had built 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 ear, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us, Liam,” Tomlinson wrote.
Before concluding, Tomlinson shared a message for Payne.
“A message for you Liam if you’re listening,” he wrote. “I feel so lucky to have you in my life, but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we’ve gotten even closer since the band, talking on the phone for hours, remembering all the thousands of incredible memories we had together is a luxury I thought I would have with you for the rest of my life. I would love to share the stage with you again, but it wasn’t meant to be…”
Read Tomlinson’s full tribute by clicking on his post below.
One Direction releases a joint statement followed by Harry Styles
Additionally, the official One Direction Instagram account – which also includes bandmates Harry Styles and Niall Horan – released a additional statement in response to Payne’s passing.
“We are completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. Over time, and when everyone can, there will be more to say.” the statement says. “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved deeply.”
The statement concluded by stating that the group would cherish their memories with Liam “forever.”
“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and those who loved him by our side. We will miss him very much,” the statement added. “We love you, Liam…”
Finally, the declaration was signed, “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
About 30 minutes later, Harry Styles took it to Instagram to share his own tribute to Payne. Additionally, Styles shared a photo of Payne sitting on stage along with a lengthy message.
“I’m truly devastated by Liam’s death,” Styles wrote. “His greatest joy was making people happy, and it was an honor to be by his side as he did so… He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life…”
Read Style’s full tribute by swiping below.
More details about Liam Payne’s passing
As The Shadow Room previously reported, Liam Payne passed away on Wednesday, October 16th. The 31-year-old reportedly fell from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, in Argentina.
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On Thursday, October 17, Argentine authorities released preliminary details about Payne’s death, per The Shadow Room. According to AP NewsPablo Policicchio, director of communications for the Buenos Aires Ministry of Security, said Payne allegedly “jumped” from his balcony. However, a subsequent report published by US Weekly states that authorities have not yet determined whether his death was intentional or accidental.
Furthermore, the singer’s preliminary autopsy reportedly stated that he died of “internal and external hemorrhage.”
RELATED: Details about Liam Payne’s death revealed by Argentine police and preliminary autopsy report
What do you think, roommates?