The death of Liam Payne was a shock to many, and now, weeks after the news broke, many are sharing stories about him while mourning this tragic loss. This includes Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean, who bonded with the former One Direction member about sobriety.

AJ McLean was feeling concerned about his friend Liam Payne a day before his tragic death. The Backstreet Boys singer, 46, texted Payne, “Hey man, are you good?” according to McLean’s recent interview with the Los Angeles Times published on Friday.

Payne died on October 16 after falling over a third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His death is currently under investigation, but a preliminary autopsy has revealed multiple injuries on his body.

AJ McLean was concerned for Liam Payne and sent him a text the day before his death. The Backstreet Boys member spoke about the text with the Los Angeles Times in an interview published on Thursday, November 1.

Lance Bass, AJ McLean and more boy band stars paid tribute to One Direction member Liam Payne after he died at age 31 on October 16