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Liam Payne’s funeral will take place today in his hometown. The One Direction singer was 31 at the time of his heartbreaking death as he plunged from the third floor balcony of his hotel room in Argentina in October.
Last week officials in Argentina allowed the family of the late star to fly his body home ahead of his funeral.
The late star’s father Geoff was also on the flight back to the UK along with Liam’s body, which was then reportedly transported to his hometown of Wolverhampton.
Last week, it was revealed three people have been charged in connection with the star’s death in Argentina. The public prosecutor’s office in the country confirmed htree people had been charged with “abandonment of a person followed by death” and supply and facilitation of narcotics in connection with Liam’s tragic passing.
One Direction bandmates of the late star – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik – are to be be included on the list of attendees for the funeral. Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy is also thought to attend, along with Simon Cowell.
Liam’s dad had flown to Argentina and visited the hotel where Liam had died to take a look at all the tributes paid by fans after his tragic death on October 16. A source said: “Geoff is living every parent’s worst nightmare. He has been so moved by the outpouring of love and the tributes that have come in from across the world.”
Prior to his shock death, it has been reported Liam, father of a son Bear who he shares with Cheryl Tweedy, had been in Buenos Aires to update his US visa and also to watch former bandmate, Niall Horan, perform at the Movistar Arena. His family previously said: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
Niall’s heartbreaking words
Liam had been in Argentina for a Niall Horan show. In the aftermath of the star’s tragic death, his devasted former bandmate and good friend broke his silence on the horror events in Beunos Aires.
Niall said: “I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real.
“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.
“All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever.
“The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime. I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently.
“I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking. My love and condolences go to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear.
“Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother. Nialler”
Louis first to break silence
Louis Tomlinson was the first former bandmate of Liam to break his silence after his death.
Louis said he was “beyond devastated” to be writing the statement, shared on Instagram, as he wrote: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.
“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for. Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.
“And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
He added: “A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.
“I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.
“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”
Liam and Bear
Cheryl Cole, Liam’s ex and the mother of his seven-year-old son Bear, is expected to be in attendance at the funeral today.
Liam co-parented successfully with the former X Factor judge and it is Cheryl who faced the distressing and heartbreaking task of informing wee Bear about his father’s passing.
