Remembering One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, Zayn Malik says "I lost a brother”

Tributes are pouring in from all corners after One Direction's Liam Payne died on Thursday after falling three floors from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

After One Direction members Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik shared an emotional post on Instagram, sharing a throwback picture with Liam and wrote, "Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved,” NDTV reported.

He added, "Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it. When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in < comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional. Was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.”

"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 and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there are no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace you are. And you know how loved you are," Zayn Malik concluded.

One Direction released a statement earlier today and expressed their sorrow over the news. "In time, and when everyone is able, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us," the band said.

Liam Payne died following several traumas, including internal and external bleeding and a brain damage from the fall, according to the Argentina prosecutor's office. The vocalist was thirty-one.

Liam Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton, England, first rose to fame in 2008 as a contestant on The X Factor before losing out. Two years later, he came back, this time with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik to create One Direction. The group finished third in the competition and was eventually signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment.

With over 70 million records sold worldwide, One Direction became one of the most popular boy bands in history during their active years, which ran from 2010 to 2016. The group announced an extended break, and the members went on to pursue solo careers.