Zayn Malik mourns tragic death of Liam Payne, writes ‘I lost a brother’

Other former One Direction members like Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, also dedicated posts in tribute to Payne.

Zayn Malik mourns tragic death of Liam Payne

Liam Payne’s tragic death on Thursday, after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina’s Buenos Aires, led to an outpouring of tributes for the beloved musician. Zayn Malik, one of Payne’s former bandmates from One Direction, expressed deep sorrow in an emotional note he posted on X. He shared a nostalgic photo with Payne, writing: “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.”

“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile, letting me know you were my friend and that I was loved,” Malik wrote in the note, recalling the support Payne offered during tough times.

Malik acknowledged Payne’s wisdom and strength despite being younger: “Even though you were younger than me, you were always more sensible. You were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong.”

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Their occasional disagreements deepened Malik’s respect for Payne. “I always secretly respected you for it. When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.”

The note also said, “I lost a brother when you left us, and I can’t express what I would give to hug you one last time, to say goodbye properly, and to let you know that I loved and respected you dearly.” His post ended with a sentiment that will resonate with many: “I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There are 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 at peace, and you know how loved you are.”

He simply captioned the post, “Love You Bro.”

See the post:

Love You Bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/shRQDW27bB

— zayn (@zaynmalik) October 17, 2024

Not just Malik, other former One Direction members expressed their sorrow too. Harry Styles shared a heartfelt tribute featuring a photo of Liam performing live, describing him as “warm, supportive and incredibly loving.”

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A post shared by @harrystyles

Louis Tomlinson posted an old photo of him with Payne on stage during their One Direction days. He expressed his heartbreak in the caption, stating, “I am beyond devastated to be writing this, but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.”

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A post shared by Louis Tomlinson (@louist91)

How did Liam Payne die?

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An autopsy report released by Argentine authorities on Thursday revealed that Payne died from multiple traumas as well as internal and external bleeding, which resulted from the fall from a significant height. Payne had around 25 injuries on his body.

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The investigation about his death is still underway, with authorities interviewing witnesses. Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for Buenos Aires’ security ministry, however, confirmed Payne “jumped from the balcony of his room” located on the hotel’s third floor.