Simon Cowell 'devastated and heartbroken' as he pays tribute to Liam Payne

Simon Cowell has paid tribute to former One Direction member Liam Payne following his death at the age of 31.

Liam died after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday. One Direction, which also consisted of Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles, found fame after Simon, 65, put them together on ITV show The X Factor.

The music mogul has now broken his silence following Liam's death and paid trivute to Liam - saying his son Bear will be “so proud” of what he has achieved.

READ MORE: Liam Payne suffered 25 injuries as police release further details around his death at Argentina hotel

Simon wrote: “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.”

He added: “I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.”

He added: “I always thought of 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.”

A preliminary autopsy had indicated that Liam suffered 'multiple traumas' leading to 'internal and external bleeding' as a result of the fall.

In an official statement given to The Associated Press, authorities stated that the singer 'jumped from the balcony of his room', apparently dispelling any notions of an accidental fall or foul play. The forensic experts determined that 'the 25 injuries described in the autopsy are compatible with those caused by a fall from a height', the Mirror reports.

Liam's family said they were 'heartbroken' following his death. In a statement, they added: "Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

A joint statement from his One Direction bandmates said they were 'completely devastated' and will miss the singer 'terribly'. The band said: "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."