Liam Payne’s former bandmates have posted a joint message about the late One Direction singer’s untimely death, alongside tributes from individual members.
Payne, 31, died Wednesday after falling from a third-floor balcony of a Buenos Aires hotel. He suffered injuries from the impact, authorities said.
“We are completely devastated by the news of Liam’s death,” Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles said in a statement posted to the band’s Instagram account on Thursday. “I received it,” he said.
“As time goes by and everyone can do it, there will be more to say. “But for now, we will take time to process the grief and sadness of losing the younger brother we loved so much.” “The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans who loved him at this time. We will miss him dearly. We love you Liam.”
Tomlinson praised his late bandmate in his solo post, saying he was an inspiration and a “positive, funny and kind soul.” He also recalled meeting Payne and hearing his voice during his days as a competitor on ‘X Factor’.
“I got a chance to meet a brother I’ve admired my whole life,” Tomlinson said, going on to praise Payne’s musical abilities and talk about a reunion.
Tomlinson concluded his post with a message for Payne, as well as a throwback photo sharing a moment on stage.
“I feel so lucky to have you in my life, but the thought of having to say goodbye is really hard.”
Malik, who left One Direction in 2015, mourned Payne in a separate statement shortly after the band’s joint activities.
“I can’t help but think for the record, we’ve had so many conversations we need to have in our lives,” he captioned a photo of himself napping on Payne’s lap. He said Payne was a source of support and positivity during “the most difficult time of my life” as a teenager.
The “Pillow Talk” singer praised Payne’s leadership, writing, “I can always count on you to know which way to steer the ship next.”
Times staff writer Malia Mendez contributed to this report.
