Louis Tomlinson Grieves One Direction Bandmate Liam Payne: “I Lost A Brother”
Louis Tomlinson remembers his late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne penning an emotional letter to him.
In a social media post, Tomlinson grieved the loss of his bandmate following his death.
More from Deadline
One Direction, ‘The X Factor’ React To “Brother” Liam Payne’s Death: “Completely Devastated”
Rita Ora Moved To Tears Remembering Liam Payne During Live Show: "I Can't Even Sing This Right Now"
“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,” Tomlinson wrote on Instagram.
“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,” Tomlinson continued. “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.”
Tomlinson noted that he felt Payne was “the most vital part of One Direction” noting “his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing,” adding, “Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
Payne and Tomlinson met during The X-Factor UK Season 7 in 2010, which also featured Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. The group went on to make it to the finals but did not win the competition. However, the band was signed to Simon Cowell’s music label and became a phenomenon around the world.
RELATED: “His Life May Be In Danger”: Listen To 911 Calls Raising Alarm About Liam Payne Before His Death
In his tribute to Payne, Tomlinson also penned a message directly to his former bandmate saying, “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.”
RELATED: Liam Payne Cause Of Death Revealed In Preliminary Autopsy Report
Tomlinson continued, “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 a 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.”
Payne died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after falling off a balcony from a hotel’s third floor. According to a preliminary autopsy report by the local Public Prosecutor’s Office, Payne died of “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” as the result of the fall.
The prosecutor’s office said as a matter of protocol, the incident is being investigated as a “doubtful death,” even though it seems that the musician was alone when the fall occurred.
RELATED: Simon Cowell Postpones ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ Auditions Following Death Of Liam Payne
Best of Deadline
Who Is Joe Locke's Mysterious 'Teen' In 'Agatha All Along'? All The Clues So Far
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.