United Kingdom, July 17 -- Taylor Momsen has paid tribute to her late bodyguard Mason Haynes, following his death aged 52.

The 32-year-old singer-songwriter took to social media to remember her "protector" and "confidant" Mason, after he died in a traffic accident just two days before he was due to turn 53.

Taylor wrote on Instagram: "I've struggled for days and still am not sure how to process this.

"Mason Haynes was my family, my protector, my confidant and one of my closest friends.

"When someone knows every dark secret about you and never judges, spends 24 hours a day with you seven days a week, you form a bond that is hard to explain."

Taylor praised Mason as someone who had the "softest heart" of anyone she has ever known, and ...