Liam Payne's girlfriend pays tribute to him as she calls him the 'love of her life'

Liam Payne's heartbroken girlfriend has called him the "love of her life" in an emotional tribute message.

The late singer, best known for being a member of One Direction, tragically passed away on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Liam Payne tragically died at the age of 31. Credit: Jeff Spicer / Getty

Police have confirmed that the 'Teardrops' musician fell from a third-floor balcony at the Hotel CasaSur, where he was staying.

In the days since the 1D star passed, countless supporters and people close to Payne have shared tribute messages - including his former bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

His girlfriend Kate Cassidy - who he had been vacationing with two days before his sudden death - also took to Instagram to open up about her grief.

Cassidy was in a relationship with Payne for two years. She penned in her statement that her heart "is shattered in ways I can’t put into words".

“I wish you could see the huge impact you’ve had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now," she said. “You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone – millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved."

She said Payne was her "best friend, and "the love of my life," adding: "Everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into."

"None of this feels real, and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I’m struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things." she said. “I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life."

Liam Payne was in a relationship with Kate Cassidy. Credit: Dave Benett / Getty

The TikToker, who often shared videos with her late boyfriend on the social media platform, revealed a note Payne had written a few weeks before his tragic passing, confessing his hopes to marry Cassidy within the next year.

“It feels like I’ve lost the best part of myself,” she penned in her tribute. “Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel."

"I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go," Cassidy emotionally concluded.

Payne was a member of One Direction. Credit: Ryan Pierse / Getty

Authorities in Argentina are carrying out tests before allowing Payne's body to be returned to the UK. According to BBC, they're also reviewing security footage, phone, and computer to establish the full circumstances of his death.

In the meantime, 90,451 people signed a new Change.org petition calling for legislation to "safeguard artists' regarding their mental health in the entertainment industry" - a change they are calling "Liam's Law".

Our thoughts continue to be with Payne's loved ones during this difficult time.

Featured image credit: Karwai Tang / Getty