Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne and says he feels 'heartbroken and empty'

The music mogul and X Factor judge has penned an lengthy statement in tribute to former One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically died in Argentina this week

Simon Cowell says he feels "heartbroken" and "empty" following the tragic passing of Liam Payne.

The One Direction singer died aged 31 on Wednesday after falling from third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tributes have been pouring in for Liam from leading figures in the entertainment industry, including his former bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.

Read more: Liam Payne's preliminary autopsy findings say he died from "multiple traumas" after hotel fall

Read more: Liam Payne's girlfriend shares reasons for leaving Argentina before his tragic passing

Now, former One Direction manager Simon Cowell has issued a heartbreaking statement saying he is "devastated" over the tragic news.

He wrote in an emotional post: "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.

"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.

"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 know 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 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."

Simon and Liam first met in 2008 when the then 14-year-old auditioned for The X Factor. Liam made it through to the Judges Houses segment, and Simon urged him to get more experience and come back.

In 2010, Liam auditioned once more and made it through the live shows with One Direction.

The band went on to enjoy global success until they took an indefinite hiatus in 2016.

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