Louis Tomlinson's sister shares 'heavy heart' in moving Liam Payne tribute

Lottie Tomlinson has paid tribute to the late Liam Payne, the bandmate of her brother Louis almost a week after the One Direction star died in Argentina

Lottie Tomlinson has paid tribute to Liam Payne after jetting home.

The influencer and author had been holidaying with her family and older brother, Louis Tomlinson, when Liam tragically died aged 31 last week while on holiday in Argentina. Former One Direction singer Liam plunged to his death from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.

Now, the Tomlinson family have returned to London following the devastating news. Lottie, 26, had previously travelled across the globe with her brother and his bandmates, working as the apprentice to hair stylist Lou Teasdale. In view of her 4.9 million followers on Instagram, Lottie shared a video she took of the highway outside her car window and captioned the post: "Home with a heavy heart. Rest in peace Liam, you were loved by so many and will be so greatly missed. Sending so much love to everyone."

She also shared a black-and-white throwback photo of her brother Louis and Liam looking dapper in suits as they walked side-by-side. In the picture, Louis was looking at the ground while smiling while Liam looked joyful as he laughed at something that was being said. Lottie added a white heart emoji to the photo.

Liam, who was known for being one fifth of the world-famous band, found fame in 2011 after appearing on The X Factor , when judge Simon Cowell placed him in a band with Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles , Zayn Malik and Niall Horan. Following Liam's death, the boys paid tribute to their pal in a group statement.

They also took to their own pages to write personal tributes. Louis said he was "beyond devastated" to be writing the statement. In the heartbreaking post, shared on Instagram, Louis wrote: "I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.

"I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for. Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.

"And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam. A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.

"I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

"I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got 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 mate. Sleep well X"

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