The X Factor judge helped form One Direction in 2010
X Factor judge Simon Cowell has spoken out after the tragic news of Liam Payne’s death.
Payne passed away on October 16 after falling from a balcony of the third floor of the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Authorities were called to the hotel at around 5:00pm local time and informed by the hotel manager that a man had fallen from the balcony of his third-floor room.
Head of the state emergency medical system Alberto Crescenti said a team arrived and verified the death at 5:11pm and realized he was ‘a singer in a musical group,’ noting he had ‘injuries that were incompatible with life as a result of his fall’.
Fans of Payne – who rose to fame after appearing on British talent show The X Factor – rushed to the hotel to pay their respects.
Payne first appeared on the competition at the age of 14, auditioning in front of Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, and Cheryl Tweedy – formerly known as Cole – in 2008 and made it to the judge’s houses before he was eliminated.
He returned two years later and was placed into a boy band alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson.
One Direction went on to become one of the most recognized boy bands across the globe.
X Factor judge Simon Cowell – who is credited as putting the five singers together to form the band – has since issued a statement following the tragic passing of the star.
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The statement reads: “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 added: “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 follows one released by the wider X Factor team.
The official The X Factor Twitter account shared a black and white photograph of Payne, writing: “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 shares seven-year-old son, Bear, with ex partner and fellow musician Cheryl.
