Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy | Source: Getty Images
Former One Direction star Liam Payne was laid to rest on November 20, 2024, in a private ceremony in Amersham, England, but much of the attention turned to his girlfriend.
Payne’s family and close friends mourned the beloved singer, whose untimely death on October 16 at a hotel in Argentina left a profound impact worldwide.
Karen and Geoff Payne, watch as their son Liam Payne’s coffin is carried into the funeral in Amersham, UK on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Among the attendees was Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, dressed in an all-black outfit featuring a fur-trimmed coat, dark sunglasses, and styled blonde waves.
Kate Cassidy attends Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham, England, on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Cassidy’s other companion was Damian Hurley, the son of actress Elizabeth Hurley and late producer Steve Bing.
Kate Cassidy and Damian Hurley attend Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Photos of the service sparked mixed reactions online, with one
commenting
,
“She could have worn something more ‘decent’?”
Another
chimed in
,
“Why do they all wear sunglasses, is it some sort of status symbol,”
while someone else
pointed out
,
“Was the blow out necessary? Its a funeral not a party [sic].”
Kate Cassidy attends Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Some also suggested that Cassidy
attending alone
might have shown more respect.
However, others criticized the negative comments aimed at Cassidy, urging respect for Payne’s grieving family and emphasizing that
such discussions were inappropriate
during a time of mourning.
A netizen’s comment on Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham, posted on November 20, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/irishmirror
One fan
expressed heartbreak
over the tragic circumstances, highlighting the emotional weight of Payne’s funeral.
Meanwhile, another user remarked on Cassidy’s appearance,
likening her to a supermodel
.
A netizen’s comment on Kate Cassidy’s attendance at Liam Payne’s funeral in Amersham, posted on November 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/usweekly
Despite the mixed reactions, some defended Cassidy with one supporter
writing
,
“I’m so glad she came x [sic].”
Another acknowledged Cassidy’s actions,
adding
,
“of course she deserves her place at the funeral also. Liam would have wanted that. Rest in Peace Liam 🙏💔 [sic].”
Liam Payne attends the world premiere of “I Am Bolt” in London on November 28, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
While Cassidy’s appearance drew mixed reactions, the ceremony brought together those closest to Payne to honor his life and legacy.
His former bandmates—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson—
joined Cassidy
at the service, standing in solidarity as they paid their respects.
Harry Styles and Niall Horan attend Liam Payne’s funeral service at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham on November 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On October 22, before attending the service, Cassidy shared an
emotional tribute
to her late boyfriend on Instagram, featuring several photos of their time together, including a trip to Disneyland, an outdoor hike, winter moments, and a handwritten note.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy at The 2022 Fashion Awards in London on December 5, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can’t put into words,” she
began
, reflecting on Payne’s impact on the world and the love they shared.
Kate Cassidy and Liam Payne enjoy outdoor hiking, posted on October 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/kateecass
She
described
him as her “best friend” and “the love of [her] life,” praising his kindness, energy, and ability to light up every room.
Cassidy also opened up about her disbelief over his passing, sharing her struggle to adjust to life without him while cherishing the joyful, childlike moments they experienced together.
Kate Cassidy and Liam Payne at Disneyland, posted on October 22, 2024| Source: Instagram.com/kateecass
Reflecting on their relationship, Cassidy revealed that she and Payne had recently envisioned their future, including plans for marriage.
She shared a heartfelt note he wrote just weeks before his passing,
expressing
his wish to be “engaged & together forever 444.”
Liam Payne’s handwritten note to Kate Cassidy, posted on October 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/kateecass
She
referred
to Payne as her “guardian angel” and ended her statement with, “I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go.”
Cassidy’s heartfelt tribute came after
she was first seen with friends in Florida
on October 20, just days after Payne’s death made headlines.
The 25-year-old influencer kept things casual, donning an oversized graphic T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and slides, with her hair loosely cascading down her face.
The trio had a furry companion by their side—a dog many believe to be Nala, the beloved pup that Payne and Cassidy rescued together.
Following the outing, netizens quickly expressed concern for Cassidy’s emotional state, with some
noting her exhaustion
and empathizing with her
immense grief
.
Many found comfort in seeing
Cassidy with Nala
, a reminder of her bond with Payne, while others
noted
she appeared “empty” and as though she had “been crying for days.”
Some urged paparazzi to
respect her privacy
, while others shared personal experiences with loss,
offering prayers and support
for Cassidy and Payne’s family.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy in Paris, France on March 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
More online commenters expressed sympathy for Cassidy, with some
noting
how “gutted” she looked and others
sharing heartbreak
over the immense loss she endured in such a short time.
A fan comment dated October 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
Some observers speculated that Cassidy might be
experiencing guilt
, with one noting her
sad and miserable appearance
and offering prayers for her emotional well-being.
Cassidy’s
sighting occurred
just days after Payne’s tragic death on October 16, when he fell from the balcony of his third-story at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Although his death was initially surrounded by mystery, it was later reported that he was under the influence of potent drugs.
Liam Payne in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Cassidy, who reportedly lived with Payne in Florida, paid him an
initial tribute
.
In her Instagram Story, she thanked supporters for their kindness, shared that she felt lost and that the past few days felt unreal, and asked for privacy as she navigated her grief.
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
.
Kate Cassidy holding a travelling neck pillow | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
She later explained in a
TikTok video
that the couple originally planned to stay for five days, but the trip stretched into two weeks.
“I was just like, ‘I need to go home,’ I was so ready to leave,” Cassidy
admitted
, explaining that her travel anxiety even triggered a “weird rash” before her flight.
Kate Cassidy | 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.
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
Observant
fans expressed concern
over his demeanor, noting
sadness and sorrow
in his appearance, with some
describing
him as “frustrated,” “aggravated,” and “dead inside.”
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy, from a post dated October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dailymail
Some commenters speculated about Payne’s emotional state,
describing
his eyes as “empty” and
suggesting
he “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
.
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.
Liam Payne attends the “I Am Bolt” premiere in London on November 28, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
According to multiple sources, Payne was seen in the hotel lobby earlier, displaying aggressive and unsettling behavior.
A witness recounted a disturbing incident where Payne smashed his laptop, prompting hotel staff to intervene and physically escort him back to his room due to his disruptive behavior.
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.
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 attends The Summer Party 2019 at The Serpentine Gallery in London on June 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Amid his tragic death, loved ones and fans mourn Payne, cherishing his legacy as a beloved musician and the joy he brought to those around him.