Liam Payne's girlfriend at 'complete loss' as she breaks silence after his tragic death

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy has broken her silence after the former One Direction star's tragic death at the age of 31, saying she has been left at a "complete loss"

Kate Cassidy, the partner of former One Direction member Liam Payne, has expressed her profound grief following his tragic passing this week.

The social media influencer, who had been with Liam for approximately two years, described herself as being at a "complete loss" after Argentine authorities reported that the singer died after falling from a hotel's third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires.

In a heartfelt statement shared on her Instagram story, Cassidy said: "Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way," and "I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real."

READ MORE: Liam Payne's 'sobriety' confession to Paddy McGuinness before his tragic death

She continued, requesting privacy: "I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private." Kate paid tribute to Payne, saying: "Liam, my angel, you are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely." She vowed to continue loving him forever, adding: "I love you Liam."

Her moving words were followed by Simon Cowell's own tribute, as the music mogul took to Instagram to share his sorrow over the loss of Liam, whom he famously helped rise to stardom on 'The X Factor' in 2010.

Simon wrote: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens," and "Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty." He concluded with a message of deep affection and respect: "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."

Simon expressed his admiration for the singer's son, Bear, who is shared with former X Factor judge Cheryl, stating: "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."

The music mogul went on to describe Payne as "kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused" and noted Liam's genuine love for his fans.

Reflecting on their shared history, Simon said: "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." He praised Liam's dedication to his fans and recalled how he cared for those who wanted to meet him.

Simon also reminisced about a visit from Liam last year, which was not for business but simply to catch up: "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."

The pair enjoyed reminiscing about the good times they had together during their last meeting. He wrote: "After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago," he said. Cowell concluded that he always felt the five boys in One Direction were "brothers", adding that after their separate tributes on social media "I believe you were".

The singer died of multiple traumas and "internal and external haemorrhage", a post-mortem examination report said. Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No 16 said it was investigating the incident as an "inconclusive death" following the report.

Cheryl, who had been in a relationship with Liam from 2016 to 2018, shared a heartbreaking tribute to her ex-partner and father of her son yesterday. Posting on Instagram, Cheryl said: "As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being."

Along with her statement Cheryl shared a black and white image of Payne with their son Bear and a broken heart emoji. She slammed insensitive media coverage in the aftermath of Liam's death.

She continued: "Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our seven-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.

"What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.

"I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl."

For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter