On Thursday night, the Watermelon Sugar singer said on Instagram that he was “truly devastated” by Payne’s passing. Payne and he gained notoriety together as members of the boy band One Direction.
In the city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Payne, 31, perished after falling to his death from the third storey of a hotel.
Although there was no indication of third-party participation, Argentine prosecutors have stated that the circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious and may have involved drugs.
Since the 31-year-old singer’s death, tributes have been coming in from all across the world.
One Direction issued a statement saying they were “completely devastated” by “the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly”.
On his Instagram page, fellow One Direction member Louis Tomlinson said he had “lost a brother”.
Calling the singer “an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody,” he said they “got even closer since the band” and offered to be an uncle to Payne’s son, Bear, if he “ever needs me.”.
