Liam Payne | Source: Getty Images
Liam Payne’s sudden death in Argentina shocked fans around the world. Just days before the accident, his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, left him behind. The events leading up to his fall raised troubling questions about his final hours.
Liam Payne, best known for his time in One Direction, was found dead after a fall from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. The 31-year-old singer had been on vacation with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, but what was meant to be a short trip turned into a tragic end for the pop star.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy in Paris, France on March 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the couple sharing happy moments online, Payne’s behavior in his final hours became increasingly erratic. Cassidy’s early departure, combined with these unsettling events, is now at the center of public speculation. Their relationship had already faced rumors and public scrutiny before this tragic turn of events.
Relationship Struggles and Rumors
Payne and Cassidy’s relationship first became public in October 2022, with the couple often sharing their moments together on social media. However, by May 2023, just ten months into their relationship,
rumors of a breakup
started circulating.
Liam Payne in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
It was said that after living together in Payne’s London home, the couple had parted ways, and Cassidy returned to the United States. A source for The Sun
claimed
at the time, “There was no big row or anything — it just ran its course, and they both mutually decided to go their separate ways.”
Liam Payne at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, England on March 16, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Despite these rumors, the couple put speculation to rest when they were
spotted holding hands
at Annabel’s 60th-anniversary party in London in June 2023. This public appearance signaled that they were still together, and the rumors of a split seemed unfounded.
Payne had reportedly also been vocal in
defending Cassidy
, a
social media influencer
, against online trolls in the early stages of their relationship. In December 2022, when a follower accused Cassidy of being with him for his money, Payne clapped back. He screenshotted the troll’s message and shared it on his Instagram Stories.
Liam Payne at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England on December 5, 2022 | Sourc: Getty Images
In response to the accusation, Payne reportedly
wrote
, “Gotta say you could tell me anything and I couldn’t be turned. I’ve never felt a love like I do for Katelyn. We make each other better people.”
Payne continued to defend their relationship,
adding
, “If it was just for the money, I’d give her all of it. It’s not though (please remember I’m hella sexy), and I know I’m fun and a loveable person. For the first time in my life, I’m happy to be me, and that’s priceless.”
This fierce defense of Cassidy was particularly notable given his high-profile previous relationships. He had previously been engaged to Maya Henry and had a relationship with singer Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son, Bear.
Cheryl Cole and Liam Payne attend The BRIT Awards 2018 on February 21, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the pressures and rumors that followed him, Payne seemed determined to protect his relationship with Cassidy. The state of their relationship has come under renewed scrutiny once again after their trip to Argentina.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet in London, England Club on July 12, 2023 Source: Getty Images
A Romantic Getaway Turns Tragic
Payne and Cassidy arrived in Argentina on September 30, 2024, ready to enjoy what appeared to be a relaxing vacation. The couple posted photos and videos on social media, showing them soaking in the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires.
From scenic outings to intimate moments, their followers were treated to a glimpse of their time together, with Payne seemingly in high spirits. However, Cassidy left Argentina on October 14, flying back to Florida. She later explained in a
TikTok video
that the couple originally planned to stay for five days, but the trip stretched into two weeks.
Kate Cassidy holding a travelling neck pillow | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
Kate Cassidy documenting her flight to Florida | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
She shared that she felt ready to go home, citing travel anxiety and the need to leave after an extended stay. “I was just like, ‘I need to go home,'” she
explained
. “I was so ready to leave,” Cassidy admitted, explaining that her travel anxiety even triggered a “weird rash” before her flight.
Kate Cassidy enjoys a meal during her flight | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
“Honestly, love South America but I hate staying in one place for too long,” she
shared
, adding that it was a relief to finally return to Florida. Meanwhile, Payne stayed behind in Buenos Aires, checking into the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
Kate Cassidy | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
Hours before his tragic death on October 16, Payne shared what would become his last
post on Snapchat
. In the now-deleted post, he shared a video showing behind-the-scenes moments of his time in Argentina, including clips with Cassidy.
Kate Cassidy, dated October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dailymail
The singer
described
the day as “lovely” and included a photo of the two of them standing together, looking into a mirror. However, despite his upbeat caption, some followers noticed something was off about his appearance.
Liam Payne, dated October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dailymail
“He seems sad underneath,”
one person
commented
, while another
added
,
“His eyes show sorrow and trouble. So sad and tragic loss 😢.”
Observant
fans expressed concern
, with
comments
like,
“He seems dead inside”
and
“Looks frustrated and aggravated.”
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy, from a post dated October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dailymail
Others were even more blunt, with one person
stating
,
“His eyes look empty to me. There’s nothing there,”
while another
added
,
“He lwk (sic) seemed depressed.”
Liam Payne, dated October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dailymail
While Cassidy’s reasons for leaving seemed personal, Payne’s decision to stay behind soon led to troubling events that would culminate in
his tragic death
.
Witness Accounts and Erratic Behavior
On the day of Payne’s demise,
troubling reports
of his behavior began to surface. Before his death, hotel staff and guests at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires witnessed the singer acting erratically.
According to multiple sources, Payne was seen in the hotel lobby earlier, displaying aggressive and unsettling behavior. One witness recalled a shocking moment when Payne smashed his laptop in front of startled onlookers. His behavior became so disruptive that the hotel staff had to physically carry him back to his room.
Liam Payne at the Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on January 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Hours before the fatal fall, someone at the hotel made a 911 call
reporting
an “aggressive” male, though Payne’s identity wasn’t mentioned at the time. The caller’s report matched accounts from those who had seen Payne in the lobby earlier, concerned by his behavior.
The events took a tragic turn just after 5 p.m. local time when Payne fell from his third-floor hotel room balcony. Emergency services arrived quickly, but despite their best efforts, Payne was pronounced dead on the spot.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy in London, England on February 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
He had succumbed to the severity of his injuries, which included a cranial fracture. Alberto Crescenti, head of Argentina’s emergency medical system,
confirmed
that Payne’s injuries were “incompatible with life,” making resuscitation impossible.
Liam Payne is seen in Paris, France on March 1, 2024 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Witnesses reported that Payne fell into the hotel’s internal patio. While his identity was confirmed by checking his passport, officials hesitated to comment on early rumors that Payne may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time. A toxicology report was ordered as part of the ongoing investigation into his death.
Liam Payne at Silverstone Circuit in Northampton, England July 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Officials urged the public not to jump to conclusions and to wait for the results of the autopsy and toxicology report. It remains unclear whether
Liam Payne’s
fall was accidental or intentional. As the investigation into the events surrounding his death continues, the public is left to speculate about what led to this tragic end.