HARRY Styles has paid tribute to Liam Payne after the star’s tragic death in Argentina yesterday.
The former One Direction singer shared a picture of Liam on Instagram alongside a heartfelt statement.
Harry wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“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.
“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.”
Singer and dad-of-one Liam, 31, was in Buenos Aires for his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s tour when he died after falling from his third floor hotel balcony on Wednesday afternoon.
His autopsy revealed the star suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
Emergency services confirmed he died instantly from multiple injuries including a fractured skull.
One Direction paid tribute to Liam as a group earlier on Thursday, saying in a statement: “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 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.”
The former One Director member was said to be “behaving erratically” shortly before his death with witnesses claiming he had to be carried back to his room.
Argentinian cops said they were called to the hotel on Wednesday after staff reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Witnesses at the hotel reported Liam smashed his laptop and he had even had to be carried back to his room,
The hotel’s head of reception made two frantic calls to emergency services and can be heard saying: “We have a guest who is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
