Liam Payne, a former singer in the popular British boy band One Direction, died on Oct. 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires.
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,” the four former members — Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles — said in a statement. “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.”
BHS Senior Christian Sobral stated, “My heart was broken when I found out about his death he was my idol”
Styles, Tomlinson and Malik posted emotional tributes of their own to social media a day after Payne died. Horan added his tribute on Friday.
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,”Styles wrote, alongside a photo of Payne from behind, looking toward a crowded arena. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it.”
He added: “The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life.”
Tomlinson posted Lengthy tribute that was accompanied by a photo of Payne and him smiling together onstage. “Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” he wrote. “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.”
Tomlinson then addressed Payne directly, writing, “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.”
