Liam Payne's Death: Former 1D Members Zayn, Harry, Louis, Niall Are 'Completely Devastated'

Liam Payne, former member of One Direction, died Wednesday at age 31 after falling three stories from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Payne was a beloved member of the group, which formed in 2010 after its members, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Payne, auditioned for The X-Factor as solo acts and were brought together by judge Simon Cowell to form the band. They became one of the most successful boy bands of all time, with a loyal fan base.

Now, hours after Payne's death his former band members Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles have penned an emotional note expressing their disbelief at Payne's death.

Zayn Malik reveals he 'always secretly respected' Liam Payne

Taking to his Instagram handle, Zayn shared a major throwback photo of him with Payne and penned a long emotional note sharing how he was always there for him in his difficult times. "Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, 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,” he began.

Zayn further mentioned how the late singer was always there for him "with a positive outlook and reassuring smile” when he missed home during their early One Direction days. “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. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it."

He further praised Liam for his music sense and called him "most qualified in every sense". Towards the end, Zayn wrote, "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 am truly devastated by Liam Payne’s passing: Harry Styles

Harry also took to his Instagram handle to pay a heartfelt tribute to his former One Direction bandmate. He shared a photo of Liam singing on the stage, followed by an emotional written post in which he revealed that he is "truly devastated" by Payne's passing. He recalled the years he spent with Payne and said that he was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. He concluded his note by offering condolence to Payne's family, "My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him as I did."

I lost a brother: Louis Tomlinson

Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared a photo of him singing with Liam and penned a long note in the caption saying he is "beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother." He further mentioned how he first met Payne when he was 18 years old while Payne was just 16 years old. He was "instantly amazed" by the late singer's voice but more importantly he found a "kind brother" who he was always looking for. Liam was an incredible songwriter 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," he added.

Tomlinson also wrote a message to Payne, "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."

He also mentioned Liam's son Bear and said that if ever he needs him, he will be the uncle he needs in his life. He would 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," he concluded.

Niall Horan didn't pen a note for Liam Payne either on Instagram or X but contributed to the joint statement the One Direction band's official social media handles shared.

One Direction shares joint statement remembering Liam Payne

"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 statement reads.

The members also mentioned that they will "forever" treasure the memories they shared with Payne. "We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam. Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry," the statement concluded.