Zayn Malik has become the latest member of One Direction to share an individual tribute to his late bandmate, Liam Payne.
On Wednesday (October 16), it was reported that Payne had tragically died at the age of 31 after a tragic fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Payne had been staying at the Hotel CasaSur, when he suffered a fatal fall from a third floor room balcony, following calls from staff to the emergency services about concerns over an unnamed guest.
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, 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, former member Zayn Malik has become the latest member to share a solo tribute to Liam.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday evening, 31-year-old Zayn shared a touching photo of the two singers together, along with a lengthy emotional statement.
"Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives," Zayn wrote. "I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
"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 f***s about telling people when they were wrong."
Acknowledging their difference throughout the years, Zayn shared that he always loved and respected his former bandmate.
"Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it," Zayn continued. "When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison,l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
"I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next. I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what l'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. I 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 A and you know how loved you are. Love you bro."
Zayn's candid and heartfelt tribute comes after Louis Tomlinson also shared an emotional message of his own.
"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 wrote: "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".
Zayn and Louis' individual statements come after the group shared a joint message.
The statement from the four surviving bandmembers read: "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 first formed on The X Factor back in 2010, after being five solo singers thrown together by the show.
Despite coming in third place, the group 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.
