Read Zayn Malik Moving Tribute to Liam Payne Here
ZAYN MALIK – Former One Direction star Zayn Malik expressed his grief after Liam Payne’s tragic death at 31 from a fall in Argentina.
In an emotional tribute to his former One Direction bandmate, Zayn Malik paid his respects to Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Malik took to Instagram to express his grief and the deep connection he shared with Payne, reflecting on their time together as members of the iconic boy band.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me,” Malik wrote in the heartfelt post. “I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.”
Malik reminisced about their early days in One Direction, when Payne was a comforting presence during Malik’s moments of homesickness. “When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved. Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no fucks about telling people when they were wrong,” Malik shared.
Although they “butted heads” on occasion, Malik admitted he always secretly respected Payne’s strength and assertiveness. Payne’s natural leadership and experience stood out to Malik, who praised his friend’s talent and professionalism.
Expressing his sorrow over Payne’s passing, Malik wrote, “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” he continued. “Will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is 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 are at peace and you know how loved you are.”
Liam Payne died after falling from a hotel’s third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires. The local Public Prosecutor’s Office reported that he died from “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” caused by the fall. Though the death is being investigated as a “doubtful death,” authorities believe Payne was alone when the incident occurred.