Louis Tomlinson recalls finding out about Liam Payne’s death from One Direction bandmate Niall Horan and says it was ‘the same feeling’ as when his 18-year-old sister passed away

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Oh my gosh, I was just reading about how Louis found out about Liam… it’s absolutely heartbreaking. Apparently, it was Niall who had to tell him! Can you imagine? One of his best friends delivering news like that… I’m seriously crying just thinking about it. It’s just… devastating. They were so close, and for Niall to be the one… ugh, it’s just too much.

In October 2024, 31-year-old Liam died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. Tests later showed he had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system at the time of his death.

Louis recently shared a painful story with Steven Bartlett on The Diary Of A CEO podcast, describing how he felt when he learned about Liam’s death. He explained that the experience brought back the same intense emotions he felt when his 18-year-old sister passed away.

I was absolutely heartbroken when Louis lost his sister, Félicité. She was so young, only 18, and it was a terrible accident in 2019. And just a few years before that, in 2016, we all mourned the loss of his incredible mother, Johannah, after a brave fight with leukaemia. It’s been so tough for him and his family, losing both of them so close together.

Okay, so he told me this, and I’m *still* reeling! He was driving in LA, you guys, just after taking little Freddie to school. He was literally on his way back home when he said it! Can you believe it? Just a normal morning, dropping his son off, and then… everything changed. I’m picturing the whole scene, you know? The LA sun, him in the car… it’s just… everything!

I learned about it from Niall. He mentioned the news and I pretty much understood what he was referring to.

I felt the same helplessness I experienced with Félicité, and I think everyone feels that way when someone they care about is suffering—no matter how hard I tried, it just wasn’t enough.

Looking back, the singer said Liam was ‘definitely struggling at that time in his life.

I realized I was being presumptuous to think I could have made a difference, because his problems were far more complex than I could have addressed.

Earlier in the show, Louis shared the heartbreaking news of his sister Félicité’s death and described feeling completely helpless and overwhelmed with guilt.

Honestly, it just felt unbelievably unfair. Seeing what my family went through, I was just filled with anger – not at anyone specifically, but at life itself. It was like we were just so, so unlucky, and it really hit me hard.

It’s striking how uniquely everyone experiences grief. For me, it came on suddenly and was incredibly difficult – truly one of the hardest days I’ve ever faced.

Louis remembered being at home in London, feeling a bit anxious, as he’d been concerned about her for months. He was sitting in his living room when the doorbell rang, either around midnight or 1 a.m.

The moment I arrived, I just felt a terrible dread. As soon as I opened the gates, I saw the police car and the officer delivered the devastating news – she was gone.

The Just Hold On singer continued: ‘I was just like, “Ok, alright”.

It was just my best friend, my ex-girlfriend, and me, and it wasn’t about ego. I wasn’t just pretending it wasn’t happening – I hadn’t even fully processed it yet.

When I told my friends what happened, they began to cry, and then the reality of it all finally hit me too.

With tears welling up, he explained that losing his sister the way they did left him feeling incredibly guilty, helpless, and like he had failed his mother.

Louis stated in the interview that Liam’s passing has effectively ended any possibility of a One Direction reunion.

The 33-year-old singer shared that his late friend really wanted the band to get back together. However, after Liam’s recent death, he feels a reunion wouldn’t be appropriate.

Liam and Louis rose to prominence with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik after appearing on the X Factor in 2010 as members of One Direction.

Louis said: ‘Never say never, right, but I’m just not sure it would be right to him [Liam].

Let’s just say, in twenty-five years, if they offered us a huge amount of money – like the band Oasis might – and asked us to do a lot of shows, we’d have to consider it.

‘I don’t know. It’s just completely put a pin in all of that.

It’s funny, because Liam was actually the biggest advocate for a One Direction reunion – even more so than me. I was definitely a close second, though!

It’s a strange feeling, but I’ve realized there are only a handful of people – just three others, actually – who truly *get* what I do and the path I’ve taken to get here. It’s a reminder of how niche my work is, and honestly, it’s a bit humbling. It makes me appreciate those connections even more.

One Direction became incredibly famous after competing on the X Factor in 2010, selling over 70 million records globally.

The group has received nearly 200 awards throughout their career, recognizing their popularity across various platforms. These accolades include seven Brit Awards, four MTV Music Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and an impressive 28 Kids’ Choice Awards.

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2025-10-09 15:34