Zayn Malik REACTS To 'Brother' Liam Payne's Death: 'There Are No Words To Explain How I Feel...'

Zayn Malik has shared a heartfelt tribute to his former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne. In a deeply emotional message posted on Instagram on Thursday, October 17, Malik, 31, opened up about the profound impact Payne had on his life, reflecting on their time together as bandmates and friends. Liam Payne, 31, tragically passed away on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Payne’s death has shocked fans and his former bandmates.

“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me,” Malik wrote. “I can’t help but think selfishly that there are 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 a reassuring smile.”

Malik went on to praise Payne’s strength, maturity, and dedication, acknowledging that while they occasionally “butted heads,” he always respected Payne’s headstrong nature. He also recalled Payne’s role as the band’s musical anchor. “You were the most qualified in every sense… no matter what happened on stage, we could always rely on you to steer the ship.”

Malik expressed his deep regret for not being able to say goodbye properly. “I lost a brother when you left us, and I can’t explain what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart, there are no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.”

He concluded with a poignant message: “I hope that wherever you are right now, you are good and at peace, and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.”

Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson formed One Direction after being assembled on the UK’s The X Factor in 2010, eventually becoming one of the most successful boy bands in history.