Louis Tomlinson vows to be uncle to Liam Payne's son Bear in heart-breaking tribute
Thousands of people have paid tribute to Liam Payne following his death, including his One Direction bandmates who have been left devastated
by Sonia Sharma · ChronicleLiveOne Direction star Louis Tomlinson has shared an emotional tribute to Liam Payne and promised to be an uncle to his son Bear.
Liam, 31, who rose to fame with the boy band on The X Factor, died after falling from a third floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday. He leaves behind his seven-year-old son, Bear, who he shared with his former partner, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.
In a moving post on Instagram, Louis said he was "beyond devastated" and had "lost a brother". He vowed to be an uncle to Bear and to tell him "stories of how amazing his dad was".
The message read: "I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. 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.
"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"
Liam's One Direction bandmates said they were "completely devastated" and would miss the singer "terribly". A joint statement signed by Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson said the "memories we shared with him will be treasured forever", adding they will be taking "some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother".
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