Sharon Osbourne pays tribute to Liam Payne as she claims the industry 'let him down’

Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne has opened up about her 'heart ach[ing]' following news of the passing of Liam Payne.

Liam Payne passed away at the age of 31 on October 16 after falling from a third floor balcony in a hotel room at CasaSur in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Emergency medical services director Alberto Crescenti confirmed Payne's passing on Argentina's Todo Noticias TV channel, explaining a team arrived at the hotel around 5:00pm and 'verified the death of a man' later finding out 'he was a singer in a musical group'.

"Unfortunately, he had injuries that were incompatible with life, as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death, there was no possibility of resuscitation," he added.

Fans rushed to the hotel, gathering outside to light candles and sing songs to pay their respects to the singer, who rose to fame when he appeared on British singing contest The X Factor.

Payne first appeared on the show at the age of 14 making it to the judge's houses before being eliminated. He returned two years later and was placed into a boyband alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik - which became known as One Direction.

And former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne has since addressed Payne's passing.

Osbourne shared a black and white photograph of Payne to her Instagram yesterday (October 17).

The caption reads: "Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?

"Rest in peace my friend @liampayne."

Osbourne's post follows The X Factor sharing a statement to its official Twitter page.

The tweet reads: "We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.

"He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.

"Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him."

One Direction also released a joint statement, alongside some of the band members individually taking to their social media profiles to address the news too.

LADbible Group has previously contacted Payne's representatives for comment.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.