FRIEND'S SORROW
Heartbroken Niall Horan is seen for first time since Liam Payne’s death as One Direction star steps out with girlfriend
The pair had only recently reunited when Liam attended one of his shows in Argentina
NIALL Horan looked devastated as he was spotted for the first time since former bandmate Liam Payne's shock death.
The ex-One Direction star died aged 31 after tragically falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday afternoon.
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The pair had only recently reunited when Liam attended one of his shows in Argentina just days before he died.
Liam appeared to be in good spirits at the event, where he was seen singing and dancing alongside his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, 25.
In a video from the concert, he waves his arm and sings along to the music while affectionately kissing his partner on the head.
On Thursday, Niall looked heartbroken as he was joined by his girlfriend Amelia Woolley on a walk in London.
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The former X-Factor star was wearing a Muirfield Village golf club cap, a green jacket and dark shades.
Niall on Thursday paid tribute to his friend and ex-bandmate, posting a throwback picture from early in their careers alongside a heart.
Niall wrote: "I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real.
"Liam had 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.
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"All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness.
"We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime.
Niall Horan stepping away from spotlight as singer makes shock 'gonna disappear' stage announcement to fans during gig
"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.
"My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear."
Earlier this month, Liam had spoken to fans about his trip to Argentina with Kate, mentioning that he was looking forward to seeing his old friend.
He acknowledged that it had been a while since they last spoke and that they needed to catch up.
It comes as a haunting photo of Liam - said to be his last one - shows the 31-year-old going back to Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo on Wednesday.
The picture was shared by local and shows the singer leaning against a wall wearing the same clothes he was seen in earlier.
The presenters said it was the last time he was seen alive just moments before he got the lift to his hotel room.
Liam was in Buenos Aires for his ex-bandmate Niall Horan's tour when he died after falling from the third floor on Wednesday afternoon.
He had arrived on September 30 with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
His autopsy revealed the star suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
Emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti said initial findings point towards him fracturing his skull.
A final 911 call from hotel staff on Wednesday revealed they needed "urgent assistance" from cops to help with a guest "behaving erratically".
Liam had shared a post on Snapchat only minutes before his death showing himself with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy looking into a mirror.
It comes as:
- Liam's cause of death was released by medics
- A heartbreaking 911 call from worried hotel staff was revealed
- Cops are reportedly set to hunt for a drug dealer
- Cheryl 'feared the worst' for her ex
- Liam's girlfriend revealed why she left Argentina
- Simon Cowell cancelled BGT auditions after Liam's death
- Niall Horan paid tribute to Liam Payne
- 'I lost a brother' says Zayn Malik as he shares tribute
- Louis Tomlinson says he's 'devastated' by Liam's death
Tributes have poured in for the singer with celebrities and fans alike sharing their heartbreak.
Weeping fans crowded outside the hotel holding a candlelit vigil overnight in honour of the beloved singer.
Many mourned the loss of Liam with flowers as they wiped away tears.
His loved ones say the heartbreaking news has left them "devastated".
Neighbours said Liam's parents left in a hurry from their Wolverhampton home at around midnight.
Two women, believed to be Liam's sisters, were then seen entering the property at 9am this morning.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction's camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing 'Just a boy...' alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: "Such an awful tragedy.
"Sending love to his family and all those who loved him."
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was "devastated" and "lost for words".
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x".
Liam Gallagher said he was "very sad" and told his followers on X: "Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy."
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the "devastating news" on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: "I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
"We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
"Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP."
Niall Horan's brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a "top young man".
He added: "You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
"My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
"10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x"
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: "RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…"
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: "I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
"He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone...
"I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry..."
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: "RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family."
In another tweet, they added: "Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne."
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: "So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam's tragic death on Instagram, adding: "Can't believe this! RIP Liam."
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: "I'm so taken aback, rest in peace."
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a "loving and kind soul".
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: "Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
"I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x."
Payne previously appeared on Cordon's The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall - who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part - described him as "the first friend I made in this industry".
She said: "We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
"Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we'd 'make it'. I hope you are at peace now".
Camila Cabello described his death as a "tragedy" and said he "made an impression" on her when she was a young girl.
Liam rose to fame through the boy band and then carried on with his own solo career after the group broke up.
He was part of the One Direction between 2010 and 2015 and had released one solo album in 2019 - LP1.
The Sun revealed last week that Liam had parted ways with his management and had shelved plans for a second solo album.
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Liam made his debut as a singer when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2008.
After being eliminated as a solo artist he auditioned again in 2010 and was put into a group with four other contestants to form One Direction.
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