October 21, 2024 at 10:42am EDT
Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend Danielle Peazer has broken her silence after his October 16 death, revealing they had been in contact weeks before his passing.
Peazer, who dated Payne during his One Direction fame from 2010 to 2013, took to Instagram to share old photos with the British star alongside a lengthy statement addressed to Payne’s fans, loved ones and to the singer himself.
“Receiving a message from you a couple of weeks ago expressing your happiness for the love I found with Sonny and Mia is something I’ll cherish forever,” Peazer, who is married to radio host Sonny Jay with whom she welcomed daughter Mia in May, wrote in part.
Related story Travis Kelce Reveals Why He Had 'Mixed Feelings' After His Baseball Date With Taylor Swift
“Thank you for teaching me about the importance of setting boundaries, and that I should always protect my heart,” she wrote.
“LJP, This still doesn’t feel real. Despite being aware of your struggles over the years, I hoped and prayed that this day would never come,” she wrote earlier in the statement.
“Our relationship may have ended back in 2013, but that seemed to be just the start of our story,” she added. “The things we went through and experienced from then all the way until last year could be described as unique to some and misunderstood by others, but I think deep down we always knew we’d have some sort of connection forever, no matter where our individual lives took us.”
Related story Travis Kelce Reveals Why He Had 'Mixed Feelings' After His Baseball Date With Taylor Swift
At the start of her statement, Peazer also addressed Payne’s identity as a public figure, reminding supporters to remember that he was a human first.
“Whilst we all take the time to navigate in a world without Liam, it’s important to remember that while he was adored by millions as a world famous musician for the last decade, he was also someone’s son and brother for more than 30 years, a friend to so many and more recently an uncle.”
“His most important role and something he was the most proud of out of all of his monumental successes was that he was a father,” she added. Payne welcomed son Bear with then-girlfriend Cheryl Cole in 2017.
“The thought that there is a now a child growing up without one of their parents is heartbreaking and unfair,” Peazer continued. “To Liam’s son Bear, as well as his parents and sisters, my love, thoughts and strength goes to you. The magnitude of this loss is incomprehensible and I will continue to support you in any way I am able to.”
Payne passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room. Per The Independent, authorities said he was under the influence of drugs and died from multiple traumas that caused internal bleeding.
Before you go, click here to see celebrities who have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction.