The funeral service for Liam Payne, former member of the global sensation One Direction, is set to take place on Wednesday in the Home Counties.
The private ceremony will be attended by close family members, friends, and former bandmates, as the music world continues to mourn the loss of one of its brightest stars.
Payne tragically passed away at the age of 31 following a fall from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last month.
An autopsy revealed that he sustained multiple traumatic injuries, including internal and external bleeding, resulting from the fall.
In a heartfelt statement following his death, Payne’s family described their devastation, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.”
Rising to fame in the early 2010s as part of the iconic boy band One Direction, Payne quickly became one of the most recognisable figures in pop music.
The group, which was formed during the X Factor, went on to achieve unprecedented success despite finishing third on the show.
Often hailed as the biggest British group since The Beatles, they sold over 70 million records, including four UK number-one albums and numerous chart-topping singles.
As a key co-writer of several of One Direction’s hits, Payne left an indelible mark on the music industry. He also enjoyed a successful solo career, with popular tracks like “Strip That Down” and “Bedroom Floor” further cementing his legacy.
Payne is survived by his parents, two sisters, and his six-year-old son Bear, whom he had with former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl. His girlfriend at the time of his death, Kate Cassidy, is also expected to attend the service.
The private nature of the funeral reflects the family’s desire to grieve away from the public eye while honouring Payne’s remarkable life and career.