Liam Payne’s funeral brought his family and loved ones together in mourning as they bid farewell to the iconic One Direction star
Friends and family gathered as Liam Payne was laid to rest in his hometown after his tragic Oct. 16th death.
His girlfriend Kate Cassidy appeared somber as she was joined by Elizabeth Hurley’s son Damian and a security guard as she made her way to the entrance. Before Liam’s tragic death, he posted Snapchats with Kate about their time in Argentina and what they had planned.
Others spotted at Liam’s funeral in the Home Counties in England were Liam’s One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. Simon Cowell, the founder of the boy band was also in attendance, as well as comedian and former late night television host, James Corden, This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes and husband Marvin, Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North and Sian Welby and Kimberly Walsh and Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud.
Liam died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. The star traveled to the country to attend Niall Horan’s concert, but stayed to vacation with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, for several days after. Just two days after Kate went back to Florida on her own, Liam was found dead.
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During the funeral service, close friends and family of Liam gathered to say their final goodbyes to the beloved star. Liam’s parents Karen and Geoff Payne were also seen at the service as they said an emotional goodbye to their son.
Liam was the youngest of his three siblings the married couple shared including his sisters Nicola and Ruth. His family mourned their loss in a statement to several news outlets, including BBC, during which they expressed they were “heartbroken” following his sudden death. They wrote: “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
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At the service Girls Aloud stars Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh were seen sharing a warm embrace as they walked through the cemetery. As Nicola arrived to the event she was seen being greeted with a kiss by Simon Jones, the former PR for One Direction who now acts for Cheryl.
Liam’s ex-girlfriend and mother of his child Cheryl Cole was seen at the service wearing a black trench coat with her hair styled back in waves and her bangs covering her face. Cheryl and Liam shared a two-year-long relationship and continued to co-parent their shared son Bear.
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Following his death, Cheryl shared a devastating tribute to Liam that read in part: “Liam was not only a pop star and a celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our seven-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
At the ceremony, Simon was seen walking alongside his wife Sarah as they both paid their respects to the former One Direction singer. The married couple looked downcast as they attended the service wearing matching all-black suits and dark sunglasses.
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After the news of Liam’s tragic death broke, Simon who was credited with finding One Direction, paid an emotional tribute to Liam. He wrote: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”
Simon continued: “This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
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Former late night television host James Corden was also spotting attending the service after sharing a friendship with Liam for many years. Liam had appeared on The Late Late Show as a guest with Corden in 2020, and also participated in his Carpool Karaoke segment.
On the day of Liam’s death, James shared a heartwarming tribute to the star and sent his well wishes to Liam’s family as he penned: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking. He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
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All of Liam’s former bandmates from One Direction were also seen at the funeral as they said goodbye to their long-time friend. This marks the groups’ first reunion in years as they haven’t been pictured all together since their last performance as a band back in 2015.
After Liam’s untimely passing, for the first time in years the boys came together to share a joint statement on their Instagram. They penned: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
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They concluded: “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
Currently, an investigation is underway in Argentina as authorities attempt to gain more information in regards to the circumstances surrounding the pop star’s death. Since Liam’s death three suspects have been charged with “the crimes of abandonment of a person followed by death, supply and facilitation of narcotics” in connection to the case.