Harry Styles has shared a heartfelt tribute to his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne following his death at age 31.
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” Harry wrote in an Instagram post dedicated to Payne.
His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
He continued: “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Harry added that his "heart breaks" for Liam's loved ones, including his seven-year-old son Bear.
Harry's tribute follows his fellow former One Direction members, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.
Louis was the first of the group to post a personal tribute to his friend and "brother".
"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul," he began.
And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction.
He followed with a promise to Liam's son saying: "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."
Zayn followed closely with his own tribute, writing: 'Love you bro, ❤️,' alongside a picture of the two napping during their One Direction days.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there are so many more conversations for us to have in our lives," Zayn wrote.
I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time...
Niall Horan is yet to release a personal tribute, but signed off on a joint statement put out by One Directions official social media accounts this morning.
"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.," they wrote. "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.
Liam joined One Direction as one-fifth of the boy band alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik after appearing on 'X Factor' in 2010. Following the band’s breakup in late 2015, he launched a successful solo career.
