Zayn Malik pays emotional tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death at age 31 – News

Zayn Malik has paid an emotional tribute to Liam Payne following his death aged just 31.

The statement was posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two members of One Direction.

Malik’s statement read:

“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 to have in our lives.

“I have never been able to thank you 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, letting me know that you were my friend and that I was loved.

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

“Even though we fought over it a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.

“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 was always happy to know that no matter what happened on stage, we could always rely on us to know which direction to steer the ship next.

“I lost a brother when you left us and I cannot explain to you what I would give to hug you one last time, say goodbye, and tell you that I loved and respected you very much . I will keep all the memories I have with you in my heart forever.

“There are no words that can justify or explain my feelings right now other than I am completely devastated.”

“I hope that wherever you are, you are well and at peace and know how loved you are.

“I love you, brother.”

Payne died after falling from his third-floor hotel in Argentina.

While the reasons for his death have not yet been confirmed, the cause of death has been confirmed by a coroner.

Zayn Malik and Liam Payne before Payne’s death at age 31 (Stefania D’Alessandro via Getty Images)

Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state’s emergency medical system, has confirmed that the singer died after falling 40 meters from his balcony.

He said:

“The alarm was raised at 5:04 p.m. local time and said that a person was lying in a courtyard of Casa Sur.

“At 5.11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was pronounced dead.

“Afterwards we found out that he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained from the fall proved fatal. There was no way to revive him.”