By Lena Couffin
Published
8 hours ago,
updated 8 hours ago
The day after the death of Liam Payne, who died on October 16 at the age of 31, artist Harry Styles paid tribute to him in an Instagram publication.
They shared the stage and thrilled millions of fans around the world. Singer Harry Styles says he is “devastated by the death” of Liam Payne, his ex-boy band partner One Direction. At the age of 31, the artist fell to his death from the balcony of his suite, located on the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, on Wednesday October 16. In an Instagram post published on the night of October 18, Harry Styles praised a “heartfelt” friend.
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“My heart is breaking”
“His greatest joy was making others happy, and it was an honor to be by his side,” wrote the British artist in the caption of a photo of Liam Payne, from behind, singing in front of an audience stadium. Harry Styles remembers his “energy for life” which “was contagious.”
One Direction (also including Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan) was formed following the English telehook The X-Factor in 2010. Since then, the members of the group had also established strong bonds of friendship. “He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving,” says Harry Styles. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished of my life.”
The singer finally had a word for those close to Liam Payne. “My heart breaks for Keren, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth (his parents and sistersEditor’s note), his son Bear and all those throughout the world who knew and loved him like me.” And to conclude: “I will always miss him, my dear friend.”
Devastated band members
The other members of the boy band also said they were “completely devastated by the news of Liam’s death.” In a statement posted to the group’s X account, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan said they would have “more to say” in due time. For now they will “take the time to do [leur] mourning and digesting the loss of [leur] brother”.