Liam and Rita struck up a close friendship with one another(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Rita Ora pens emotional Liam Payne tribute and reveals what he was really like

Singer Rita Ora, who performed with Liam Payne on the hit song 'For You', has released an emotional statement following the star's death, describing him as a 'joy' to work with

by · The Mirror

Rita Ora has announced she's 'devastated' following the shock death of Liam Payne.

The One Direction star, 31, died yesterday after falling from the third floor of a hotel room in the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires. Preliminary autopsy results suggest the singer died from multiple injuries from the fall that lead to 'internal and external haemorrhaging'.

Police are said to have been called to reports of a man acting aggressively who could be under the influence of drink or drugs before the incident occurred. Hotel workers allegedly witnessed the celeb behaving 'erratically'. Local news outlets, including La Nacion and Clarin, later released photos of the star's deluxe room, showing traces of a white powder and burnt aluminium foil as well as a smashed TV.

Rita said Liam had the 'kindest soul'( Image: INSTAGRAM)

Masked Singer star Rita Ora, who recorded the hit For You that featured in the film Fifty Shades Freed with Liam, is one of many celebs that have paid tribute's to the star's death. In a post on Instagram, she told her follows she was 'devastated' by the news.

"He had the kindest soul, I will never forget," she added. "I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P."

Former X Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson, who featured on the show in 2010 alongside One Direction, has also expressed her condolences. She says the pair first met at London Euston rail station almost 15 years ago and shared a taxi together to the X Factor studio. Rebecca described the star as 'young, innocent and unaffected by fame'.

"I can't help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "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.

"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 it's first victim." Rebecca ended the statement wishing Liam finds 'peace on the other side' and sent her love to the star's mum and family.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is available. Find the nearest mental health services near you or get urgent help here.

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