X Factor judge Simon Cowell has expressed his sorrow following the heartbreaking news of the death of Liam Payne.
Payne tragically passed away on October 16 after falling from the balcony of a third-floor room at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Emergency services responded to the hotel at approximately 5:00pm local time, where the hotel manager reported the incident of a man falling from the balcony of his room.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, stated that a team arrived and confirmed the death at 5:11pm, identifying him as a ‘singer in a musical group.’ Crescenti noted that Payne had suffered ‘injuries that were incompatible with life due to his fall’.
Payne’s fans, who followed his rise to fame after his appearance on the British talent show The X Factor, gathered at the hotel to pay their respects.
At 14, Payne first auditioned for the competition in 2008 in front of judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, and Cheryl Tweedy—formerly known as Cole—and made it to the judge’s houses before his elimination.
He returned two years later and was selected to join a boy band with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson.
One Direction went on to become one of the most famous boy bands worldwide.
Simon Cowell, who is credited with forming the band by bringing the five singers together, has since released a statement in light of the star’s tragic passing.
His statement includes: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.
“Liam, I am truly 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.”
He continued: “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.”
Cowell’s statement was accompanied by one released by the wider X Factor team.
The official The X Factor Twitter account posted a black and white photo of Payne, stating: “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.
“He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.
“Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
Payne was the father of a seven-year-old son, Bear, from his previous relationship with fellow musician Cheryl.
If you have experienced a bereavement and wish to speak with someone in confidence, you can reach out to The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.