Zayn Malik shares his emotional goodbye to Liam Payne

Zayn Malik has shared a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne after the heartbreaking news of his former One Direction bandmate’s unexpected death at the young age of 31.

Malik, who was part of the hugely popular boy band with Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan, took to Instagram to honor his friend, joining many others in the music industry and beyond in paying their respects. Reports indicate that Payne tragically passed away after falling from the third floor of his hotel room while vacationing in Buenos Aires. He suffered severe internal and external bleeding from the fall and was declared dead at the scene by authorities, who found his body in the hotel courtyard.

Malik, who gained fame alongside Payne on the X Factor back in 2010, shared an old photo of the two of them on Instagram, along with an emotional message about his friend’s passing. He expressed that the news left him feeling like he was “talking out loud, hoping [Payne] can hear me.”

In his message, Malik reflected on the conversations he wished he could have had with Payne, admitting he never had the chance to thank him for being a source of support during some of the toughest times in his life. He remembered Payne for his positive attitude and reassuring smile, noting that he was “headstrong,” “sensible,” and “opinionated,” never hesitating to tell people when they were wrong.

Malik acknowledged that they often “butted heads” because of these strong traits, but he secretly admired Payne for them. He praised Payne’s musical talent, saying he was “qualified in every sense” and that the band relied on him to “steer the ship.” Echoing what Tomlinson had previously said, Malik described Payne as “a brother” and expressed deep regret over not being able to give him a hug one last time or say goodbye properly.

“There are no words to justify or explain how I feel right now beyond devastated,” Malik concluded, wishing Payne peace wherever he may be. He was one of the first two members of One Direction to share individual tributes, with Styles and Horan also issuing a joint statement on the band’s official Instagram, followed by Styles sharing his own tribute.

Malik’s tribute is part of a wave of tributes from fellow musicians since Payne’s death. Artists like Halsey, Zedd, Charlie Puth, Rita Ora, and Ty Dolla $ign have also shared their thoughts, along with fellow X Factor contestant Jedward. Notable figures outside the music world, such as James Corden, Paris Hilton, and Styles’ mother, Anne Twist, have also sent heartfelt messages.

Payne is thought to have checked into the hotel alone after his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, left their vacation days before his tragic fall. Meanwhile, fans have come across Snapchat videos that Payne posted just moments before his death, and calls made by hotel staff expressing concern about his behavior have also been revealed. It remains unclear whether his fall was an accident or intentional, and authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing.