X Factor star says Liam Payne 'would be alive today' if it wasn't for fateful taxi ride 14 years ago

One Direction star Liam Payne has tragically died at the age of 31 and his X Factor co-star Rebecca Ferguson has penned a heartfelt tribute to the singer, blaming fame for his death.

X Factor's Rebecca Ferguson, who competed on the ITV talent show against One Direction, has spoken out following the heartbreaking death of Liam Payne.

The 31-year-old, who rose to fame alongside his bandmates in 2010, was vacationing in Buenos Aires, Argentina with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy when he reportedly fell from the third floor of a hotel, the Mirror reports.

Authorities say Liam is believed to have plunged approximately 14 metres, suffering grave injuries that were deemed 'incompatible with life'. City ambulance service spokesman Alberto Crescenti disclosed: "The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur".

They added: "At 5.11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead. Afterwards we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him."

Following the confirmation of this tragic event, social media has seen an influx of tributes, including a statement from X Factor's official account.

Rebecca, Ferguson who competed alongside Liam on the 2010 series of the show, released a poignant statement on the demise, saying: "It's always a hotel room."

Now 40, the singer has often criticised the exploitative aspects of fame as she reflected on her initial interactions with Liam. Rebecca revealed that she and Liam first met at London Euston rail station, sharing a taxi to the X Factor studio.

She remembered him as 'young, innocent and unaffected by fame' as she wrote: "I can't help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead.

"If he hadn't jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today. I've spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects.

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"Many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]. Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally claimed its first victim."

Rebecca concluded her statement by wishing Liam finds 'peace on the other side' and sending her love to the star's mum and family. The news left dozens of fans 'heartbroken', expressing their condolences in the comments section.

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