Watch heartbreaking moment Liam Payne’s pal Scott Mills breaks down in tears live on radio as he remembers tragic singer
LIAM Payne’s close pal Scott Mills today broke down live on radio. as he remembered the tragic singer.
The 31-year-old One Direction star was in Buenos Aires when he died after falling from his third floor hotel balcony yesterday.
Liam’s autopsy revealed the star suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
Today his good friend of many years, Scott, poured his heart out about singer’s untimely death, and said he “can’t bear that this is where Liam’s story has ended”.
Speaking on his afternoon Radio 2 show, the DJ said: “The tragic news about Liam Payne is a really hard one to take in because I never thought we would have to say goodbye to him so soon.
“I had so much fun with One Direction, as a lot of you will know, over the years and their memories will stay with me for life, and Liam was such a big part of it.”
The presenter held back tears as he gave a special message to Liam’s dad, saying: “So, Geoff, I don’t know if you’re hearing this, but my heart goes out to you today and to the rest of Liam’s family, and, of course, to his little boy.”
He added: ‘I just feel so incredibly sad about all of this.
“Liam, we had so much fun and you were always the kindest, most caring person to me.
“Thank you for letting me be part of your ride. I will never forget it.
“The band were all so lovely always, but Liam was kind of the grown-up one in the group, the wise one.
“And I can’t bear that this is where Liam’s story has ended.”
The BBC Radio host then dedicated Story Of My Life by One Direction to Liam, his family and his fans.
It comes as Liam’s family issued a statement, which read: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Meanwhile, this afternoon harrowing pictures emerged that show inside Liam’s hotel room shortly after his fatal fall.
Argentine media have published troubling images showing white powder, burnt aluminium foil and a smashed TV screen.
Several images show what is reported to be the inside of the former One Direction singer’s luxury suite at the upmarket Hotel CasaSur Palermo, according to Argentina’s biggest newspaper Clarin.
Buenos Aires police confirmed the room was in a state of “total disorder”.
They released a statement saying: “Upon entering, total disorder was observed, with various elements broken.
“The balcony area was inspected in order to establish access to it.”
Clarin, Argentina’s biggest newspaper, published the images alongside a report saying: “Damage and drugs in the hotel room Liam Payne was staying in in Buenos Aires.”
The singer had been open about his battles with addiction in the past.
But cops are yet to confirm what the substances found in the room are and are due to run tests on them shortly.
It comes as:
- Liam’s cause of death was released by medics
- A heartbreaking 911 call from worried hotel staff was revealed
- Cops are reportedly set to hunt for a drug dealer
- Cheryl ‘feared the worst’ for her ex
- Liam’s girlfriend revealed why she left Argentina
- Simon Cowell cancelled BGT auditions after Liam’s death
A final 911 call from hotel staff on Wednesday revealed they needed “urgent assistance” from cops to help with a guest “behaving erratically”.
Argentinian police said staff reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Witnesses at the hotel reported Liam had to be carried back to his room, according to TMZ.
Recordings from the 911 calls made by the head of reception show them reporting “a guest who is destroying everything in his room”.
In a second appeal for help the receptionist said: “We need you to send someone urgently because I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
Liam was found dead in the hotel’s inner courtyard at around 5pm local time (9pm UK time).
His death was confirmed as soon as ambulance crews arrived.
A red tent was put up over Liam’s body as cops began to investigate the death.
Forensic police worked with ambulance staff at the scene before they moved his body to a morgue.
A post-mortem is expected to be completed soon.
The singer was in Buenos Aires for a holiday after going to see pal Niall Horan’s tour.
He had arrived on September 30 with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
Weeping fans crowded outside the hotel holding a candlelit vigil overnight in honour of the beloved singer.
Liam leaves behind his seven-year-old son Bear whom he shared with Cheryl Cole after the pair met when Liam was on the X Factor.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans flooded Liam Payne's last Instagram post with sad tributes as news of the singer's death emerges.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”