Following Payne’s death, Malik said he was “never able to thank” his bandmate for supporting him through some of the “toughest” times in his life.
“I lost a brother when you left us and I can’t explain to you what I would give to hug you one last time and say goodbye to you in a proper way and tell you that I love you very much loved and respected you,” he added. in a statement shared on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, was spotted leaving the London flat she shared with the tragic singer.
She was greeted by a friend who helped her load piles of boxes and suitcases into a rented van before leaving for an unknown destination.
Neighbors said Kate would have to rely on the generosity of friends to give her shelter as she prepares to fly back to the US to spend Christmas with her family.