Niall Horan reflects on final meeting with Liam Payne as he becomes last One Direction star to pay tribute

Payne had been visiting the city with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy – who left the Argentinian capital a few days before his death – to watch bandmate Horan in concert.

Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson have all paid tribute to Payne following his death and Horan has now become the final 1D band member to issue a statement.

On Instagram, Horan penned: “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.

“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.

“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. Love you brother. Nialler.” (sic)

Payne’s death was announced on Wednesday after police discovered his body following a fall from his hotel room.

Officers had initially been called to the hotel by distressed staff who reported “an aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol”.