Niall said in a lengthy statement on Instagram: “I am devastated by the passing of my wonderful friend Liam.” “It just doesn’t seem real. Liam has an energy for life and a passion for his work that is contagious. He was the brightest person in any room and always made everyone feel happy and at ease.”
The “Slow Hands” singer continued to reminisce about his time singing with Liam in One Direction.
“Everything we’ve laughed at over the years, sometimes the simplest things, continues to come back to me through the sadness,” Niall added. “We got to realize our wildest dreams together. I will forever cherish every moment we had. The bond and friendship we had is something that doesn’t happen over and over again in a lifetime.”
Niall, who had Liam and girlfriend Kate Cassidy as guests at his recent concert in Buenos Aires, also detailed what it was like to see his friend for the last time.
“I feel so lucky to have met him recently,” Niall wrote. “Sadly, after saying goodbye and hugging him that night, I didn’t know that I would be saying goodbye forever. My heart is broken. My love and condolences to Jeff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course my son Bear. Thank you for everything Peino. I love you brother.”
