Louis Tomlinson vows to be 'uncle' Bear needs after Liam Payne's death: 'Thought I'd have you for life'

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: Louis Tomlinson paid a heartfelt tribute to his 'One Direction' bandmate Liam Payne, who tragically died after falling off a hotel balcony in Argentina at the age of 31 on Wednesday, October 16.

Tomlinson's tribute went beyond mere words as he vowed to take care of Payne’s family, especially his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he had with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole. 

Tomlinson vowed to be a great uncle to Bear and promised to share stories about how Payne would have guided him if he were still alive. He also expressed his belief that Payne's spirit would remain with him throughout his life.

Louis Tomlinson breaks his silence on Liam Payne's tragic death

Louis Tomlinson broke his silence on Liam Payne's death on Thursday, October 17. His heartfelt message accompanied a post featuring a 2015 photo from their Los Angeles performance together. Describing Payne as his big brother, Tomlinson expressed, "I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul."

He reminisced about their first meeting, saying, "I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for."

Tomlinson also praised Payne's songwriting talent, noting, "Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band."

"And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam," Tomlinson added.

Louis Tomlinson makes important promises to Liam Payne

Louis Tomlinson's caption went beyond sharing memories as he included a heartfelt note addressed to Payne beginning with, "A message to you, Liam, if you’re listening."

He expressed, "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."

He made a promise, saying, "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."

He added, "I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you."

Additionally, Tomlinson shared a couple of stories on his Instagram. The first featured a four-grid collage showcasing heartwarming memories of him and Payne, including moments of hugging, laughing, and singing together. 

In the second story, he shared one of the images from the collage, accompanied by the text, "This picture summed up our relationship. I love you, I'll always be your big brother. X."

‘One Direction’ fans remember Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne's bond

Moments after Louis Tomlinson paid an emotional tribute to Liam Payne, countless One Direction fans flooded the comments section of his post with remarks about the bandmates' bond over the years. Many also praised Tomlinson for his promise to Bear.

One fan wrote, “This is so heartbreaking 😭 strength Louis, thank you for being a big brother to Liam, he loved you so much too. 😭🤍”

One more fan penned, “Liam was such a special person to all of us😭We love him so much Louis 😭❤️Sending you loads of love Louis🥺Stay strong❤️‍🩹.”

“Surround yourself with loved ones and take care of yourself Lou. He loves you too. It'll be alright❤️,” an Instagram fan advised.

“Please the boys' posts are wrenching my heart 🥺💔,” one shared referencing other One Direction bandmates’ tribute. 

One stated on Instagram, “Sending so much love Louis. Rest easy Liam we miss and love you everyday❤️🕊️💔."

Another wrote, “The part of Bear got me in tears 🥺 I think this would be his first thought and you knew it. I am sure Liam knew how much you and the other guys and everybody loved him. Riposa in pace e sleep well kind Liam.”

Another added, “So beautifully worded. Strength with the loss of someone who meant a lot to you, like many fans, you really knew him and that is different from fans, he was more than a band member to you, he was your brother, your buddy, someone you could say everything to and you will really be a great uncle to his son. Ps am Dutch have used my translator.”

One individual commented, “Thank you for being so respectful towards him in this tribute people are being SO horrible towards him about this!I’m SO So hurt for you and I hope you can stay positive!! Xxxx😢🥺😭😢.”

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