In a deeply emotional appearance on The Diary of a CEO, Louis Tomlinson reflected on the moment he learned of Liam Payne’s passing — a call that came via fellow One Direction bandmate Niall Horan while Tomlinson was in a car in Los Angeles.
The news, which shook fans around the world, revealed that Payne, aged 31, had died in October 2024 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. The cause of death was later confirmed to be multiple traumatic injuries, with toxicology results citing the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription medication.
@steven “Niall broke the news” Louis Tomlinson describes the moment he heard devastating news that Liam Payne had passed away. He recalls having a similar feeling to when his sister, Félicité, passed away. #onedirection #louistomlinson #celebrity #liampayne #liampayne original sound – The Diary Of A CEO
“It was the same feeling I had with Félicité,” Tomlinson shared, referencing the tragic loss of his younger sister in 2019. “Anyone who’s been close to someone struggling knows that feeling, my 150 percent wasn’t nearly enough.”
Tomlinson went on to reflect on Payne’s state of mind at the time, acknowledging that while he had tried to be there, the pain his friend was carrying ran far deeper than he could have understood.
“That’s my own arrogance,” he admitted. “Thinking I could have helped. But it was more than I could reach.” Shortly after the news broke, Tomlinson posted a quiet, heartfelt tribute on Instagram — “lost a brother,” he wrote… a sentiment that continues to echo with those who grew up watching their shared rise.
The statement in part read:
“A message to you Liam if you’re listening…,
I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be…
I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was..
I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you…
Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”
Having stepped out from the shadow of his boyband beginnings, Louis Tomlinson has firmly established himself as a solo force.
With two No.1 albums to his name and over 4.5 billion streams under his belt, Tomlinson continues to evolve, most recently with the release of “Lemonade,” a sun-drenched teaser from his forthcoming record How Did I Get Here?.
But Louis’s vision extends beyond the studio. He’s the driving force behind the DIY-spirited Away From Home Festival, and the founder of 28 Clothing, a genderless streetwear label that reflects the same grounded authenticity that’s come to define his post-1D journey.
You can access tickets to Louis’ forthcoming tour here.
