Louis Tomlinson mourns Liam Payne in emotional tribute post

Louis Tomlinson is mourning his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, who died suddenly on Wednesday at 31.

“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother,” Tomlinson wrote in an emotional Thursday Instagram tribute. “Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. 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, who co-wrote several of the band’s tracks with Payne, went on to praise his former collaborator as “an incredible songwriter 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,” he continued. “And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”

Tomlinson then addressed Payne directly, writing, “A message to you Liam if you’re listening, 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.”

He added, “I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be. 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.”

Payne died of “multiple traumas” and “internal and external hemorrhages” on Oct. 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at Buenos Aires’ CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Palermo, per an initial autopsy report. He was pronounced dead at 5:07 p.m. local time on Wednesday after falling multiple stories.

Per a a translated press release from Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, hotel staff had called 911 just minutes earlier requesting assistance for an unnamed guest who was claimed to be “under the influence of drugs and alcohol and had destroyed some objects in the room.”

At the time of his death, the singer was in Argentina where he attended a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan. The late singer is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he shares with ex Cheryl Cole.

Along with Zayn Malik and Harry Styles, Payne, Tomlinson, and Horan made up the boy band One Direction, which was formed in 2010, after they each auditioned as individual singers for the British reality competition show, The X Factor. They were combined into a band by judges Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell. Though they placed third in the competition series, they went on to achieve global success, releasing five albums and touring the world before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.

In the wake of Payne’s death, his former bandmates came together to share a joint statement, paying tribute to his tragically short life.

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” began the statement from Horan, Malik, Styles, and Tomlinson. “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.”

They concluded, “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. 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. ”

Payne’s family has also addressed his sudden death in a statement, writing, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”