Danielle Peazer Doesn’t Feel ‘Mentally Strong Enough’ to Face Reality of Ex Liam Payne’s Death

Danielle Peazer, who notably dated Liam Payne at the peak of his X Factor UK fame, has broken her silence on his sudden death at 31.

“Over the last few days, I’ve been trying to process the news of Liam’s death. Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to call, text or DM sending condolences and offering support,” Peazer, 36, wrote via Instagram Story on Saturday, October 19. “I’m so grateful and it’s helped more than you know.”

She added, “In time I will share more, but right now, I don’t feel mentally strong enough to face the reality of what’s happened.”

Peazer, a former dancer, dated Payne between 2010 and 2012 when he competed on X Factor UK as one-fifth of One Direction. After the boy band finished in third place on the competition show, their fame erupted. Peazer remained by Payne’s side until they split in early 2013.

More than 12 years later, Us Weekly confirmed that Payne fell to his death from a third-story balcony in Argentina on Wednesday, October 16. A preliminary autopsy report viewed by Us revealed that Payne died from “multiple injuries involving ‘internal and external hemorrhage,’” and was believed to be in a “state of semi or total unconsciousness” at the time of the fall.

“Like all of us, I too am grieving and need to take some time to do that privately,” Peazer added on Saturday. “It’s a heartbreaking time, which has already been made so much more challenging due to receiving negative and misinformed comments as well as preconceived judgment from those who don’t personally know me, Liam or anything about our relationship over the last 14 years.”

She concluded, “I will be back soon when I’m ready, but until then, please take care of yourselves and each other.”

Payne and Peazer broke up for good in early 2013 before he moved on with the likes of Sophia Smith, Cheryl Cole, Maya Henry and Aliana Mawla. Payne was dating model Kate Cassidy at the time of his passing. (Peazer, for her part, is currently in a relationship with Sonny Jay, welcoming daughter Mia earlier this year.)

The “Strip That Down” singer is survived by parents Geoff and Karen, older sisters Nicola and Ruth and 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex Cole, 41.

“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” the family told the BBC in a statement earlier this week. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”