One Direction star Liam Payne was finally laid to rest in his homeland weeks after his untimely passing abroad. His former love Cheryl and their child, alongside his former bandmates, gathered to say their heartfelt goodbyes.
Cheryl and Liam’s journey began when they met on the set of “The X Factor,” where he competed as a contestant, and Cheryl served as a judge.
Liam Payne seen at the “X Factor” studio on October 31, 2010, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The former Hollywood duo’s romantic relationship blossomed years later in 2016, and in 2017, they welcomed their son, Bear, into the world.
That same year, as a first-time parent, the English singer and songwriter, shared a playful comment about his then-girlfriend Cheryl during an interview.
While discussing his cravings after starting a diet, an interviewer joked about his move to Los Angeles being motivated by In-N-Out Burger. Liam quipped, “Yeah, exactly. I left my wife and child at home and I was straight out to an In-N-Out Burger.”
Although they separated in 2018, the pair maintained a close co-parenting relationship. Liam even chose to reside near Cheryl and their son in the quaint village of Chalfont St. Giles in southeast Buckinghamshire in England.
Liam’s lighthearted humor and dedication to his family remained defining traits, even as life led him in new directions. Following the end of his relationship with Cheryl, he began dating U.S. influencer Kate Cassidy.
Tragically, their time together took a heartbreaking turn during a trip to Argentina. On October 16, 2024, Liam passed away after a devastating fall from a balcony at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires. The autopsy revealed that he succumbed to multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy attend The Fashion Awards 2022 on December 5, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The loss of Liam left his loved ones grappling with immense grief. Just two days after his passing, Cheryl shared a heartfelt photo of the songwriter and their son on social media, accompanied by an emotional plea for privacy.
She expressed that as she navigated the earth-shattering event and worked through her own grief during this indescribably painful time, she wanted to kindly remind everyone that a human being had been lost.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again,” penned Cheryl.
Cheryl voiced her deep worry about the long-term impact of media coverage on their son, Bear, lamenting that he might one day encounter the hurtful reports.
She urged fans and media to act with compassion, asking them to consider the harm such content causes. The singer concluded with a heartfelt plea for dignity, requesting that Liam be allowed some peace in the wake of his passing.
Cheryl honored Liam’s memory at his funeral on November 20, 2024, in England. His coffin arrived in a white horse-drawn carriage adorned with white roses and floral tributes spelling “son.”
The somber crowd fell silent as his family, dressed in black and united in grief, followed closely behind, their love for Liam evident in every step.
While the deceased’s son Bear remained outside the church, Cheryl joined others inside to pay tribute. She was accompanied by her Girls Aloud bandmates, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts.
Cheryl Tweedy seen after Liam Payne’s funeral service at St Mary’s Church on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
Following the service, the TV personality walked behind Liam’s parents, Karen and Geoff Payne, as family and friends gathered to honor his life and say their final goodbyes.
Cheryl attends Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
Members of One Direction, including Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, came together to honor Liam at his private funeral.
The gathering marked a significant reunion, as it was the first time Zayn had been seen with the band since his departure in 2015, months before their eventual split.
A floral tribute on the hearse which spells the word “Son” at Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
Their longtime friend James Corden and “X Factor” judge Simon Cowell also attended. Styles was seen arriving with Corden, while Cowell joined the mourners accompanied by his fiancée, Lauren Silverman.
Geoff Payne, Simon Cowell and Karen Payne pictured at Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024 in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
Outside the church, Liam’s parents, Geoff and Karen, shared a heartfelt embrace with a visibly emotional Simon, who offered them comfort after the emotional service. Nearby, Simon’s fiancée, Lauren, stood quietly, giving space for the grieving parents.
Simon Cowell is comforted by Geoff Payne at Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024 in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
The media mogul played a pivotal role in shaping the band, One Direction. After Liam’s passing, his bandmates expressed their grief in a joint statement, describing themselves as “completely devastated” and sharing that they needed time to process the loss of their “brother.”
A funeral director places floral tribute which says “Daddy” in the churchyard at Liam Payne’s funeral service on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
They vowed to treasure the memories they had with him forever, with each member also reflecting individually on their bond and shared experiences with Liam.
A floral tribute at Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
Liam Payne’s passing has left an indelible mark on his loved ones, friends, and countless fans around the world. From his cherished role as a father and the strong bonds he shared with his bandmates to his remarkable contributions to music, Liam’s legacy is one of love, talent, and unforgettable memories.
As those closest to him continue to grieve and celebrate his life, the world remembers him not just as a beloved star, but as a son, a friend, and a father whose light will never fade.
