Zayn Malik reacts to Liam Payne’s shock death: He has been in ‘absolute words’

Zayn Malik is ‘surrounded by loved ones’ as the former One Direction star deals with shock and heartbreak following the tragic death of bandmate Liam Payne in Argentina. Aged just 31, Payne was found dead with “multiple trauma and excessive bleeding” after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires.

News of Liam’s death emerged on Wednesday and reports indicate that Malik was informed within hours of the incident. Although their relationship had its problems, it’s clear that the duo had a deep admiration for each other.

Zayn Malik in ‘absolute words’ after Liam’s passing

Best known for his soulful vocals in the iconic band who rose to fame in 2011 and then disbanded, after appearing on The X Factor, Malik has been left “in absolute pieces”, according to a source close to him , who spoke to the Daily Mail. “He is in shock, and his parents have contacted Liam’s family to offer their support and condolences,” the source said. Loved ones “don’t want me to be alone” during this difficult time.

Also read: How did Liam Payne die? Autopsy reveals shocking details of multiple trauma: ‘Questionable death’

The source, an American producer who currently works with him, revealed that Malik, 31, cannot be left alone during this time as he mourns the loss of his friend. The source further said that even though the duo hadn’t spoken in a while due to previous disputes, they respected each other from a distance.

Liam was in Argentina to support his former bandmate Niall Horan’s show and was accompanied by his girlfriend, who left two days before the singer’s death. So far, no foul play has been found in his death as the investigation continues.

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“They didn’t hate each other, but they couldn’t see things differently,” the source added. “But they both felt they had been exploited in the music industry.”

After Malik left One Direction in 2015, Payne expressed her support for his decision, wishing him the best in his future endeavours. In 2017, despite Malik’s negative comments about the group, Payne stated that their relationship was “good and fine”.

However, in a podcast appearance in 2022, Payne acknowledged the past conflicts, admitting that there were “many reasons” why she disliked Malik, but the same month she apologized and clarified her position to “always give support the singer”.

Despite their occasional differences, Payne has maintained that Malik will always be his brother and that he will be by his side forever.

How did Liam Payne die?

“Payne died of multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding,” revealed an autopsy report released by Argentina on Thursday, highlighting the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death after he fell from a great height and succumbed to about 25 wounds found on his body.

As the investigation continues, with authorities interviewing witnesses, Buenos Aires Ministry of Security Communications Director Pablo Policicchio confirmed that Payne “jumped” to his death. “(He) had jumped from the balcony of his room” on the third floor of the hotel in Buenos Aires, Policicchio said.