Louis Tomlinson made a heartfelt promise to the son of Liam Payne on Thursday, one day after his friend’s tragic death in Buenos Aires.
In a lengthy tribute to his former One Direction bandmate, the 32-year-old singer vowed to look after Payne’s 7-year-old son Bear Grey, whom he shared with former girlfriend, British singer Cheryl Cole.
“A message to you Liam if you’re listening … 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,” Tomlinson wrote on Instagram.
Earlier in his tribute, Tomlinson said he felt “beyond lucky” to have had Payne in his life and was “struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.”
“Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” Tomlinson wrote. “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.”
Payne was found dead on Wednesday after falling three stories from a hotel balcony in the Argentine capital. He was 31 years old.
Investigators in Buenos Aires said Payne jumped from the balcony in the city’s Palermo neighborhood. Shortly before his death, a hotel staffer called 911 and said a guest was trashing his hotel room and likely under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“I wish I got [a] chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you,” Tomlinson wrote. “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well.”
The two became close friends after being put together with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan on the British talent show “The X Factor” in 2010. Though they didn’t win the competition, they went on to global stardom in One Direction.
The group split up in 2016, with each member embarking on a solo career.
“For the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction,” Tomlinson said Thursday. “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 band also shared a joint statement on Instagram Thursday, writing that they’re “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.”
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