LOUIS Tomlinson has been seen for the first time since his One Direction bandmate Liam Payne’s tragic death.
The singer, 32, was pictured looking sad on a family holiday in California after sharing a touching tribute to the “brother he’d always longed for”.
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One Direction star Liam, 31, fell to his death from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday afternoon.
Champagne, prescription drugs, white powder and foil wraps were all found in his trashed hotel room after he fell from the balcony at around 5pm (9pm UK time).
Louis paid tribute to the star after his death writing on Instagram: “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.
“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.”
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Speaking about his friends talent as a music artist, Louis added: “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.”
Addressing his friend directly, Louis said: “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 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.”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”
Liam’s autopsy revealed the star suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
Fellow hotel guests revealed the star had been acting in a “disturbing” manner shortly before his fall, with Liam admitting to one woman: “I used to be in a boy band – that’s why I’m so f**ked up.”
Friends said Liam had been in a dark place in the past few weeks and turned to drink as he struggled with his career and other personal issues.
Liam’s record label Universal also reportedly dropped the star just a few days ago.
His family released an emotional statement and paid tribute to the “kind, funny and brave soul”.
One Direction also released a group statement that read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
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