Louis Tomlinson has shared an emotional and heartbreaking tribute to his former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne.
On Wednesday (October 16), it was reported that Payne - who had been staying in Buenos Aires, Argentina - had tragically died at the age of 31.
The singer had been staying at the Hotel CasaSur, when he suffered a fatal fall from a third floor room balcony.
The BBC reports that the head of Buenos Aires's SAME emergency medical service, Alberto Crescenti, told local television that Payne had suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall" and there was "no possibility of resuscitation".
According to reports from The Sun, the results of Payne's preliminary autopsy have been confirmed, stating that the singer suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external hemorrhaging” from the fall.
Further tests are currently ongoing amid the investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Following a joint statement from Payne's One Direction bandmates, member Louis Tomlinson has now penned a heartfelt tribute to Payne.
"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother," Tomlinson wrote to fans on Instagram. "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.
"Liam was an incredible song writer 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.
"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."
The second half of Louis' statement was directed to Liam.
He writes: "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. 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 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 X".
As previously mentioned, it comes after the band released a joint statement on Thursday.
Their statement reads: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. 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.
"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. - Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry."
One Direction were formed on The X Factor back in 2010.
Despite not winning the season, they went on to enjoy a level of fame compared to "BeetleMania" at the time, which went hand-in-hand with success in the charts.
The band would take a hiatus in 2016, as each member pursued solo opportunities.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Liam's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
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