Liam Payne: Niall Horan pays tribute as stars react to former One Direction singer's death

Niall Horan has paid tribute to his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, saying he is "absolutely devastated" by his death.

The 31-year-old pop star suffered "extremely serious injuries" after landing in the courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, police said.

Argentinian media reported that Payne was in the city to attend Horan's concert earlier this month.

In a statement on Instagram, Horan wrote: "I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking."

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He described his former bandmate as having an "energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious".

"He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure," he said.

Former One Direction members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan put out a statement saying they were "completely devastated" following Payne's death.

Read more:
Liam Payne dies - what we know so far
Payne posts on Snapchat hours before death

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(c) Sky News 2024: Liam Payne: Niall Horan pays tribute as stars react to former One Direction singer's death