Cheryl issues statement following tragic death of Liam Payne

Cheryl has released a heartfelt tribute to the father of her child, Liam Payne, following his tragic death in Argentina. The Girls Aloud singer has described the death of her former partner Liam Payne as an “earth-shattering event” in a post on Instagram.

She said: “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.

“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.

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“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.

“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.

“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. “Thank you.”

Liam previously dated Cheryl from 2016 until 2018, and their son, Bear, was born in March 2017. The pair first met on The X Factor when she was a judge.

In July 2018, Liam and Cheryl announced their split after two-and-a-half years together. Liam opened up about their separation in the following months, saying it was tough to break up in the public spotlight and that announcing it was “like breaking up twice”.

A preliminary autopsy had indicated that Liam suffered 'multiple traumas' leading to 'internal and external bleeding' as a result of the fall.

In an official statement given to The Associated Press, authorities stated that the singer 'jumped from the balcony of his room', apparently dispelling any notions of an accidental fall or foul play. The forensic experts determined that 'the 25 injuries described in the autopsy are compatible with those caused by a fall from a height', the Mirror reports.

Liam's family said they were 'heartbroken' following his death. In a statement, they added: "Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

A joint statement from his One Direction bandmates said they were 'completely devastated' and will miss the singer 'terribly'. The band said: "In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.

"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.

"For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."