Zayn Malik is devastated by Liam Payne’s death

Singer Zayn Malik remembered his “brother” and One Direction bandmate Liam Payne in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Thursday.

Malik appeared shaken as he shared a loving photo of himself and Payne, whose sudden death on Wednesday at the age of 31 shocked the music world.

“Liam, I was talking to you out loud, hoping you could hear me. I can’t help but selfishly think that there were so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” Malik wrote alongside the photo.

The “Pillowtalk” singer went on to thank Payne for “supporting me through some of the most difficult times of my life.”

“When I missed home as a 17-year-old child, you were always there with a positive attitude and a reassuring smile, showing me that you were my friend and that I was loved,” he remembers.

“Even though you were younger than me, you were always more sensible than me, stubborn, opinionated and didn’t give a damn about telling people when they were wrong,” Malik wrote.

He also touched on the bandmates’ sometimes turbulent relationship, writing, “Even though we clashed a few times over it, I always secretly respected you for it.”

The pop star praised Payne’s musicianship, writing: “When it came to music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every way. I knew nothing in comparison, I was a beginner kid with no experience and you were already a pro.”

“I have lost a brother,” he wrote, adding, “I hope that wherever you are, you are well and at peace and know how much you are loved.”

The remaining members of One Direction – Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles – also commented on Payne’s death in a joint statement on Thursday.

The band described themselves as “completely devastated” by the news and wrote: “The memories we shared with him will be remembered forever.” At the moment our thoughts are with his family, friends and the Fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly.”

Payne was visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he fell to his death from a hotel balcony on Wednesday.

Prior to the incident, hotel staff called emergency responders to report an erratic guest who they believed was under the influence of excessive drugs and alcohol.

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