The world feels a little dimmer with the news of Liam Payne’s passing at just 31.

Dame Denise Lewis, a close friend and former athlete, has taken to social media to share a touching tribute, filled with cherished memories and unseen photos of the former One Direction star.

A Special Connection

Denise, who is married to Liam’s former manager Steve Finan, has often been seen as a guiding figure in Liam’s life, earning her the nickname of his “fairy godmother.”

Throughout some of Liam’s toughest moments, including his breakup with Cheryl, Denise and Steve provided him with support and a safe haven, often opening their home to help him navigate his challenges, particularly with sobriety.

An Emotional Farewell

On Instagram, Denise shared a heartfelt message reflecting on Liam’s life and legacy.

She expressed her sorrow over his passing, noting that his “dark storms” have now passed.

Denise expressed gratitude for the kindness Liam showed to her children, emphasizing how he always knew how to bring a smile to their faces.

Her emotional words resonated with many: “Okay. Here goes… I know it’s real and you’re not coming back. So here’s to you—the real you.

Kind, funny, annoyingly daft but more talented than you believed, more loved than you could grasp. The dark storms have passed, and all that is ahead of you is sunshine. You deserve that.”

Cherished Memories

The photos Denise shared captured joyful moments, including outings to golf and birthday celebrations, showcasing the bond they shared.

One particularly sweet image featured Liam with Denise’s 22-year-old daughter Lauren and singer Rita Ora, a reminder of the fun times they all had together.

A Tragic Loss

Liam’s untimely death occurred after a fall from a hotel in Buenos Aires.

The news has left his friends and fans devastated. Universal Music Group, Liam’s label, expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne. His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him.”

Just days before his passing, reports surfaced that Liam had been dropped from the record label, a move that left him reeling as he faced the pressures of his solo career after leaving One Direction.

Facing Difficult Times

In addition to the label troubles, it was revealed that Liam’s PR team resigned earlier this month, leaving him without representation during a challenging time in his life.

Compounding his struggles was the legal action initiated by his ex-fiancé, Maya Henry, who accused him of repeatedly contacting her.

One insider noted the weight of Liam’s circumstances: “It is like all of Liam’s music career that he had built up since he went solo eight years ago was crumbling.

There was very little left for him. It must have absolutely devastated him.”