Liam Payne’s ex Danielle Peazer, whom she met on ‘The X Factor’, reacts to his death: ‘It’s a heartbreaking moment’

Peazer posted a tribute to the late singer on his Instagram stories on October 19

Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend Danielle Peazer is sharing her reaction to the singer’s death.

Peazer, 36, who dated Payne for two years after meeting on the UK’s Got Talent show The X factor in 2010, posted a tribute to the late singer on Saturday, October 19, following his sudden death at the age of 31 on October 16.

“For the past few days I have been trying to process the news of Liam’s death,” she wrote on her Instagram stories. “Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to call, text or email with condolences and support…it’s helped more than you know.”

Peazer said “I don’t feel mentally strong enough right now to face the reality of what’s happened,” referring to Payne’s death. “Like all of us, I’m grieving and I need some time to do it privately,” he continued.

Related: Liam Payne’s sister Ruth Gibbins shares touching tribute after his death: ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t save you’

The late singer’s ex added that “it’s a heartbreaking time” that has been made “much more difficult by receiving negative and uninformed comments as well as preconceived judgments from those who don’t personally know me, Liam or anything about our relationship over the last 14 years.”

“I’ll be back soon when I’m ready, but until then please take care and take care of each other,” Peazer concluded, adding a red heart emoji.

Payne died after falling several stories from a balcony in Argentina on October 16.

The former One Direction star and Peazer met when he competed The X factor and was a backup dancer on the show in 2010. The couple went on to date from 2010 to September 2012.

They were spotted several times together after their split, including in New York City in December 2012, as seen in photos released by E! Online, and in London after one night in April 2013, by Daily Mail photos The two were also spotted more recently, leaving London’s Nobu Hotel together in June 2022, in photos also posted by Daily Mail.

Peazer has since welcomed her first child, a daughter, with current partner Sonny Jay. She shared the news of her little girl’s arrival on her Instagram page in May.

Never miss a story: Sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date with the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: Cheryl asks public to consider her and Liam Payne’s son Bear, 7, after Singer’s death: ‘Breaking My Heart’

Peazer’s tribute to Payne comes after the late singer’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who had joined him in Argentina days before his death, shared her tribute on Friday (October 18).

Cassidy, 25, wrote on her Instagram stories, “…I’ve been completely lost. Nothing the past few days has felt real. I’m asking and praying that I’m given the grace and space to navigate- there private”.

She concluded: “Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know that I have loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”

For more Gent news, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.