Louis Tomlinson’s ex-girlfriend Eleanor Calder paid tribute to Liam Payne on social media, sharing how deeply his passing has affected her. She spoke about the support and kindness Payne showed her over the years, including creating personal artwork for her new flat to make it feel like home. Calder expressed her hope that Payne is now at peace and shared her condolences to those who knew and loved him for the person he was. Payne tragically passed away at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, sustaining fatal injuries.
Tomlinson, who was a bandmate of Payne in One Direction and previously dated Calder, also shared his grief on social media, remembering Payne as a positive, funny, and kind soul. He reflected on their friendship and the impact Payne had on his life, expressing his devastation at the loss of a brother. Payne is survived by his parents, two older sisters, and 7-year-old son Bear Grey, whom he had with ex Cheryl Cole. Cole shared her grief on Instagram, emphasizing that Payne was not just a pop star but also a beloved family member and father to their son.
In addition to his personal connections, Payne also made an impact through his music, with his latest release, the breakup ballad “Teardrops,” written by himself along with JC Chasez and Jamie Scott. The song marked the beginning of a new musical era for Payne before his untimely death. One Direction, the band that brought Payne and Tomlinson together along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, went on indefinite hiatus in 2015 but reunited to mourn their bandmate’s passing. They shared a joint statement expressing their devastation, highlighting Payne’s positive and kind nature as well as his talent. The band members have individually shared their grief and memories of Payne on social media, honoring his legacy.
The relationship between Tomlinson and Calder had its ups and downs, with the couple dating from 2011 to 2015 before briefly reuniting in 2017 and splitting once again in 2022. Following their initial split, Tomlinson dated Briana Jungwirth and welcomed son Freddie in January 2016. Despite the challenges in their personal lives, both Tomlinson and Calder have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of Payne and the impact he had on their lives. Tomlinson shared a screenshot of his playlist featuring Payne’s song “Teardrops,” highlighting the emotional connection he felt to his late bandmate’s music.
The outpouring of grief and tributes from Calder, Tomlinson, Cole, and other loved ones reflects the profound loss felt by those who knew Payne both personally and through his music. The tragic circumstances of his passing have left a void in the hearts of many, with fans and friends alike mourning the loss of a talented musician and a kind-hearted individual. As they navigate their own grief and memories of Payne, those who knew him continue to honor his legacy and the impact he had on their lives, both personally and professionally. Payne’s memory lives on through his music and the connections he forged with those around him, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
