The life and legacy of Liam Payne are being commemorated by an English radio host who recalls his “childlike joy for life” after his tragic death at age 31 on October 16.
Siân Welby, co-host of Capital Breakfast, interviewed the former One Direction star, who died after falling from his balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
She describes Payne as an “interviewer’s dream,” noting how easy it was to connect with him during their conversations. “He was always ready for a laugh and game to play along with anything you threw at him,” shares Welby, 38, with PEOPLE.
Songs from One Direction and his solo career, including “Strip That Down,” were played in tribute
“In one interview, he even let me zap him with a taser! Despite his fame and success, he always came across as a grounded guy who hadn’t lost touch with his roots.”
One of her fondest memories of the “Strip That Down” artist involves a birthday gift she bought for him. “I remember gifting him some Batman Lego for his birthday because I knew how much he loved Batman!
He was absolutely thrilled and took it with him after the interview. He really embodied that cheeky, childlike joy for life,” she reflects, adding that his passing is “tragic” and “devastating.”
In the wake of the news, Capital FM dedicated an entire morning show to Payne and his legacy, featuring both One Direction songs and his solo hits, including “Strip That Down.”
“We had fans from around the world texting in to support one another and share their thoughts and prayers for his friends and family,” Welby explains. “It was a truly moving show.” Regarding Payne’s legacy, Welby believes he will be remembered most for his compassionate nature.
“He’ll be remembered for his empathy toward friends and fans,” she notes. “The outpouring of love and stories from people he helped during tough times really speaks to his character.”
Reflecting on his journey, she adds, “He went from being a little boy in Wolverhampton with a dream to becoming part of the biggest boy band in the world. He accomplished so much in a short span of time,” highlighting Payne’s passion for his career and his bandmates in One Direction.
An ABC News report indicates that a partial autopsy found multiple substances in Payne’s system, including “pink cocaine,” a mixture of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA. His body will remain in Argentina until the autopsy is fully completed.
In response to his unexpected death, Payne’s family released a heartfelt statement expressing their heartbreak. “Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave spirit,” they shared with various outlets, including the BBC and PA Media.
They continued, “We are supporting each other as best we can as a family and kindly ask for privacy and space during this difficult time,” as reported by the BBC.
