Molly-Mae Hague says she’s ‘utterly shocked’ by tragic death of ‘genuine and kind’ Liam Payne

Molly-Mae Haag said she is ‘utterly shocked’ by the tragic death of Liam Payne in a heartbreaking tribute to the star.

The One Direction singer collapsed from the third floor of the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday at the age of 31.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Molly-Mae shared a photo of the pair and revealed they had met several times, describing him as ‘genuine and friendly’.

The influencer, who split from fiance Tommy Fury earlier this year, shared an insight into their friendship, revealing that Liam ‘always made an effort’ to talk to her and ask how she was feeling.

Writing: ‘I couldn’t stop thinking about the most heartbreaking news about Liam’s passing. It completely shocked me.”

‘I met Liam a few times and he was such a genuine and friendly person. He always went out of his way to talk to me and ask how I was doing.

‘I can’t stop thinking about his family, his son, girlfriend and friends – my heart aches for them. Rest in peace Liam’

Liam’s One Direction bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik broke their silence following his tragic death on Thursday by issuing an emotional statement.

In a joint statement signed by ‘Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry’, they said they were ‘completely devastated’.

“In due time, and when everyone is able, there will be more to say,” they said.

“But for now, we will take time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved dearly.

“The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and the fans who loved him alongside us.

‘We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam.”

The band has also released their own tributes individually.

Styles wrote on Instagram that he was “truly devastated” and will “always miss him.”

“His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honor to stand next to him as he did that.

‘Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had a life energy that was contagious.

“He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever be some of the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my dear friend.

‘My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear and everyone around the world who knew and loved him as I do.’

Tomlinson said in a separate emotional tribute that he was ‘really struggling with the idea of ​​saying goodbye’.

He posted a photo to his Instagram page of them both on stage, with Payne lovingly placing his arm over Tomlinson’s shoulder.

Tomlinson said he would be an uncle to Payne’s son Bear if he “ever needs me” and “tell him stories about how great his dad was.”

“I am so grateful that we have become even closer since bonding, talking on the phone for hours and reminiscing about the thousands of wonderful memories we had together is a luxury I thought I would have with you for life.” , he wrote. .

‘I would have liked to share the stage with you again, but that was not to be.

“I wish I had the 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 buddy. Sleep well X.’

Malik said he talked loudly to Payne “hoping you could hear me.”

In his own heartbreaking tribute, he said he had “lost a brother when you left us.”

“And I can’t explain to you what I would give if I hugged you one last time and said goodbye to you properly and told you that I loved and respected you very much,” he wrote .

‘I will forever cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart. There are no words that can justify or explain how I feel right now, other than the fact that I am devastated. I hope you are doing well wherever you are now, that you are at peace and that you know how loved you are. I love you, brother.”

Niall, 31, the latest band member to pay tribute, said in his heartbreaking statement that he didn’t know ‘our recent hug was our last goodbye’.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘I am absolutely devastated by 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 were infectious. He was the smartest ever and always made everyone feel happy and safe.

“All the laughter we’ve had over the years, sometimes over the simplest things, continues to surface through the sadness.

‘We got to live our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in our lives.

The singer, who had seen Liam in concert a few days before his death in Argentina, continued: “I feel so lucky that I got to see him recently. Sadly, I didn’t know that after I said goodbye and hugged 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.

‘Thank you for everything, Payno. I love you brother. Nialler’