“I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real,” Niall said.
“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure,” the statement continued.
“All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness,” Niall said. “We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”
Niall noted he feels “so fortunate” to have seen Liam recently. “I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever,” Niall wrote. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Niall then offered his “love and condolences” to Liam’s father Geoff, mother Karen, sisters Ruth and Nicola, and Liam’s son Bear.
“Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother,” Niall concluded his statement, which he also signed as “Nialler.”
