A friend has come forward to share details of their final conversation with Liam Payne just hours before his passing.
The music industry is reeling from the shocking news of Liam Payne’s death on October 16. Payne gained fame as a member of the popular boyband One Direction, alongside Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik.
Fans were heartbroken to learn that Payne had died after a tragic fall from his hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy report later confirmed that the 31-year-old succumbed to multiple traumas.
Messages of condolence have been pouring in from fans worldwide on social media, and fellow musicians have also expressed their grief and paid tribute to the late singer.
His former One Direction bandmates have honored him with heartfelt tribute messages.
In the wake of Payne’s death, many have been curious about his final moments. A close friend has now broken their silence about their last interaction with the star.
Jodie Richards, who taught Payne performing arts at Pink Productions in Wolverhampton, shared that they had regular communication, often speaking nearly every day at one point.
Speaking to Sky News, Richards recounted how Payne had messaged her to catch up and inquire about everyone in their hometown of Wolverhampton shortly before his death.
According to texts viewed by the outlet, Payne reached out to Jodie on a Monday, asking how she was, and she replied that she was at the gym with her son.
She then received a photo from Payne with his hand on his head, to which she responded after returning home.
Richards also reflected on her initial disbelief, thinking the news of Payne’s death might be ‘fake news’.
She said, “I tried to phone him, obviously he wasn’t answering. I tried to text him, it wasn’t going to a read message.
“And obviously as I turned the telly on it was just getting more and more apparent that it wasn’t fake.
Richards also shared the texts she attempted to send after learning of his death.
“Liam!!!,’ the initial message read, followed by: “Please tell me this isn’t true!!!!!!”
Coming to terms with the news, she sent a final farewell message.
The text read, “Goodnight Mr P. I have no words and don’t want to say goodbye. When I wake up I’m sure it will all be a dream.”