Following the tragic passing of Liam Payne, Simon Cowell has issued a heartfelt statement.
As widely reported, Payne died in Buenos Aries, Argentina, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Hotel CasaSur.
The singer, who was 31, was staying in the country with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who had left a couple of days prior to the incident.
Fans around the world have been mourning the loss of the One Direction star, as flowers and personal notes have been left outside of the hotel.
Also paying tribute to Payne are those who were close to him, including Simon Cowell.
Cowell first met Payne when he auditioned for The X Factor at just 14 years old. He was the mastermind who grouped One Direction together.
The music mogul has now paid tribute to Payne via an Instagram post.
"You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens," Cowell wrote.
"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."
Cowell added: "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."
Cowell 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 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."
The statement continued: "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.
"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."
Following the sudden news of Payne's passing, Cowell opted to pause filming of Britain's Got Talent that was taking place in Blackpool.
