'I feel empty': Simon Cowell shares emotional tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne
18 October 2024, 17:47 | Updated: 18 October 2024, 18:40
Simon Cowell has issued an emotional tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne.
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Simon Cowell told fans he "feels empty" as he paid tribute to Liam Payne.
Payne died on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He died of multiple traumas and "internal and external haemorrhage", a post-mortem examination report said.
In an Instagram post, Cowell, who founded One Direction, wrote: "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 and I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory for you."
The legendary music mogul revealed he and Liam met last year.
"After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all those years ago," he said.
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 knew 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.
“I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes 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."
One Direction, Cowell said: "I always thought the five of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today, I believe you were."
Liam’s One Direction bandmates have shared tributes to the singer following his death.
Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson said that they miss Payne "terribly" after his death on Wednesday, following a fall from a hotel room in Buenos Aires.
They said in a statement: "We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.
"For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us."We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.
"Individual tributes from Payne’s bandmates have also trickled in since his death.
Horan said he would "cherish every moment" they had together, adding that the "bond and friendship" they had "doesn't happen often in a lifetime".
"I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real," Horan said.
"Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.
"All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness.
"We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime.
"I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking.
"My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother."
Liam Payne was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old's cause of death has been confirmed as a skull fracture, as well as multiple other severe injuries.Authorities are investigating the circumstances behind his untimely death.
Officers said they found drugs and alcohol in Payne's hotel room.
