Former One Direction bandmates Niall Horan and Liam Payne shared an “unbreakable bond” that cemented their friendship before Payne's untimely death, a source has revealed.
The 31-year-old singer tragically fell 45 feet from a third floor yesterday in the courtyard of the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, prompting waves of tributes from around the world.
Payne attended Horan's concert in Argentina on October 2, and a source told DailyMail.com exclusively that there is “nothing but love” between the couple.
“Liam has been on a musical hiatus for the past few years and hasn't really focused on his career since 2022,” the source explained.
They continued: “Over the next year, he was determined to get well and stay sober.”
Liam Payne attended Niall Horan's concert in Argentina before he died, with a source exclusively telling DailyMail.com there was “nothing but love” between the couple.
The source admitted that Payne found it difficult to see his former bandmates flourish after the band went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.
'Is [their success] He was able to get closer and understand,” they explained.
“When Liam attended Niall's show earlier this month, he meant he was proud of him and that he was genuine.”
The source added that the two had the opportunity to spend time together and “in the end there is nothing but love between them.”
They added: “Niall was very grateful that she came to support him and his music.”
“In the end, their bond was unbreakable and their friendship ended on a good note, to say the least.”
Payne's death is “incomprehensible to everyone who knew and loved Liam,” he said.
Days before his death, Payne told his fans that he and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 37, were traveling to the Latin American country “because they want to” and because he “wanted to do two things” with his former band.
The source admitted that it was difficult for Payne to see his former band move forward after the band went on indefinite hiatus in 2016, but Payne and Horan recently reunited (pictured in 2017).
During their time as a band, One Direction won five Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, racked up three billion YouTube views and sold more than 50 million records worldwide. (From left to right) Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne
Liam Payne shares last social media post with girlfriend, minutes before she dies at 31
And a sad selfie with the caption: 'Beautiful day in Argentina'
The Night Changes singer recently attended her former bandmate Niall Horan's concert in the country earlier this month – Pictured March 2024
Payne's relatives said in an emotional statement: 'We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we will remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
The singer documented her evening in a series of snaps posted to Snapchat, ending with a selfie of Horan and Horan with the caption: 'Reunited,' with a love heart emoji.
Payne's former bandmates have said they will miss the singer “terribly” and will take time to “grieve and process” the loss.
“We are absolutely devastated by the news of Liam's passing,” read a statement posted on One Direction's Instagram.
'Over time, and when everyone can, more will be said. But for now, let's take some time to grieve and process the loss of our dear brother.
'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 along with us.
'We will miss him very much. We love you Liam', they concluded the publication, signing it: 'Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry'.
Police investigating the One Direction star's sudden death are searching for two “key witnesses” who could be among the last people to see him alive.
The singer died instantly after multiple injuries that caused 'internal and external hemorrhage'.
Payne's family today described their “heartbreak” at his tragic and untimely death, saying the former One Direction star “will live in our hearts forever.”
Payne's relatives said in an emotional statement: 'We are heartbroken. Liam will live in our hearts forever and we will remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“As a family, we support each other as best we can and ask for privacy and space during this difficult time.”
During their time as a band, One Direction won five Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, racked up three billion YouTube views and sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
After releasing five albums as one of the biggest boy bands of all time, Liam released his first solo album titled LP1 in 2019.
His single Strip That Down, co-written with Ed Sheeran, peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that same year.
During her music career, the pop star collaborated with artists such as Jay Balvin, French Montana, Dixie D'Amelio, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
He was previously in a relationship with British pop sensation Cheryl Cole and the couple welcomed their son Pierre Gray on March 22, 2017.
