Simon Cowell's heartbreaking statement in full after Liam Payne's tragic death

Simon Cowell has paid an emotional tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne who he first met when the singer was just 14 years old before going on to make him one of the most famous faces of his generation

Simon Cowell has shared his grief over the tragic death of One Direction star Liam Payne in a heartbreaking statement.

The music mogul first met Liam when he was just 14 years old back in 2008 the first time he auditioned on the X Factor. Simon ultimately told Liam he was too young and sent him home before they would meet again two years later when he placed Liam in the boyband that would see him become a globally recognised star alongside bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.

The emotional outpouring of grief from Simon echoed the sentiment felt by many who have been rocked by Liam's tragic death at the age of 31 after he fell from a third-floor balcony in the Casa Sur hotel in Argentinian capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday. Both fans and his fellow celebrities, as well as his One Direction bandmates and friends and family of Liam, have publicly admitted their devastation over the loss since he passed away.

Simon wrote: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

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"This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."

He continued: "I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn't your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn't. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared. You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.

"I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it. I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were. And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X."

Investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding Liam's death continue as authorities work to determine what happened in the moments before he plunged 45ft to his death suffering catastrophic injuries. Reports have suggested that he was seen acting erratically in the hotel lobby just minutes before he died as he smashed up his laptop and told a fellow guest "I used to be in a boyband. That's why I'm so f**ked up."

There was also an array of alcohol and drug paraphernalia found in his room which Police say had been "in complete disarray" with "various items broken". A whiskey bottle, lighter and mobile phone had been retrieved from the internal hotel courtyard where Liam’s body was found.

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