The somber occasion of Liam Payne’s funeral saw his girlfriend, 25 year old TikTok sensation Kate Cassidy, meeting his parents for the first time.
In a heartbreaking twist of fate, instead of a joyful introduction with Liam’s excited parents Geoff and Karen Payne, it was under the grave circumstances of the funeral service at St Mary’s Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Accompanied by her friend Damian Hurley, a tearful Kate, who had been dating the former singer since 2022 and had shared that her heart was “shattered” from his untimely death, arrived wearing dark sunglasses and a fur-lined coat.
Only a month prior, Liam had tragically died after falling from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony on October 16.
Also paying respects were Liam’s former partners: Danielle Peazer, who he dated from 2010 until 2013, and Cheryl Tweedy, mother to Liam’s seven year old son Bear and someone who reportedly assisted with planning the private funeral. Grieving deeply, Kate took to Instagram to express her profound loss, revealing she had “lost the best part of myself” and sharing a poignant note from Liam where he wrote of his wish to marry her in the next year.
“I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can’t put into words. I wish you could see the huge impact you’ve had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now. You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone – millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me.”
“You are so incredibly loved. You are – because I can’t say you were – my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into.”, reports the Mirror.
“None of this feels real, and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I’m struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things.”
“Liam, you had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I’ve lost the best part of myself. I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life.”
Kate flew with Liam to Buenos Aires in October. However, she was not with him at the time of his death, as she had flown home to Miami just four days before he died.
She told fans in a TikTok then that she didn’t like being away from home for too long and felt she was ready to get back into her own routine.
An investigation is underway following the tragic death of Liam, who fell from a hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires. Three individuals have been charged in relation to the incident.
An autopsy report concluded that the X Factor star suffered “serious injuries that were incompatible with life”.
