Simon Cowell pays tribute to former One Direction star Liam Payne following death aged 31

Simon Cowell has shared an emotional tribute to Liam Payne following the news that he has passed away at the age of 31.

Authorities in Argentina confirmed that the former One Direction singer had passed away after falling from a balcony at his hotel in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires on 16 October.

A preliminary post-mortem has since confirmed that Payne died from 'internal and external haemorrhaging' after falling 40 metres from a third floor balcony.

Music mogul and X Factor boss Cowell has now shared a statement saying that he is 'truly devastated', 'heartbroken' and feels 'empty' after hearing the news.

"You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens," he began on his Instagram post.

"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."

He continued: "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."

The music mogul had mentored Payne as part of boyband One Direction during their time on X Factor, before going on to sign the group to his Syco record label.

Cowell's statement follows tributes from Payne's former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.