Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson has shared an emotional message following the death of his bandmate and “brother” Liam Payne.
Tomlinson was the first of One Direction’s alumni to share a statement after Payne’s death in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, local time.
“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,” Tomlinson wrote.
The Streaming Service with Justin Hill brings you what we know so far about Liam Payne’s death:
“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life, but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.
“I want you to know that if Bear (Payne’s son) 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.”
One Direction also released a group statement on Friday morning, Australia time, saying they are “completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing”.
“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.”
The message was signed by remaining members Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles.
Payne’s cause of death revealed
Payne died after falling from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires.
Preliminary autopsy results revealed the 31-year-old suffered multiple injuries, which led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
The autopsy also said Payne may have been unconscious when he fell.
“It is presumed that Payne did not adopt a reflex posture to protect himself” and “he could have fallen while in a state of semi or total unconsciousness,” the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office said.