The former members of One Direction have shared a joint statement following the passing of Liam Payne, who died Wednesday after reportedly jumping from his hotel balcony in Buenos.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik — the latter of whom left from the group in 2015 — said. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever,” they added. “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.”
Styles, Tomlinson, and Malik also issued statements on their own social media accounts. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it,” Styles wrote. “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. 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.”
In his tribute, Tomlinson called Payne “a positive, funny, and kind soul” and “the most vital part of One Direction.” Writing directly to Payne, he wrote, “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 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.”
Malik wrote, “When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. … 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.”
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