The funeral of pop sensation , famed for his time with , is scheduled to take place today in the Home Counties. The 31 year old singer met with an untimely death following a fall from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room in Argentina last month.
The upcoming funeral service is set to see a gathering of Liam’s closest companions and former band members, including Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. His partner, Kate Cassidy, as well as entertainment mogul Simon Cowell, are amongst those expected to pay their respects.
Liam’s distraught father Geoff had previously ventured to the scene of his son’s fatal accident, observing the heartfelt dedications left by mourning admirers.
Reflecting on the wave of condolences, a confidante has previously revealed to media: “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,” reports .
Liam Payne fans laid out tributes in his hometown of Wolverhampton (Image: Getty)
Liam Payne sadly died at the age of 31 (Image: Getty)
He will be laid to rest today in a private funeral in the Home Counties where just his family and closest friends will attend, followed by a wake.
In a joint statement released following Payne’s tragic death, Tomlinson, Malik, Horan, and Styles said they were “completely devastated”.
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,” they said.
“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
Liam Payne’s former One Direction band members are expected to attend his funeral (Image: Getty)
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
Tomlinson, Malik, Horan and Styles also penned separate tributes to their late friend.
The funeral will be private and attended by just his family and closest friends and a wake will take place following the service.
A source told The Sun: “Liam’s funeral is taking place in the Home Counties.
“His family have gone to great lengths to put together the perfect service and give him the send off he deserves.
“Liam may have been a global superstar but to Geoff and Karen he will always be their little boy. It is going to be an incredibly difficult day.”
Liam Payne went on to have a solo career after One Direction disbanded (Image: Getty)
Liam shot to international fame in 2010 when he auditioned for Simon Cowell’s The X Factor as a solo artist. The judges later put him into One Direction.
Despite only coming third on the show, One Direction went on to become the biggest British group since The Beatles, having sold 70 million records and landed four UK No1 singles and four UK No1 albums.
In a candid interview in 2022, Liam said he hoped to be remembered not for his accolades but for being a “nice guy”.
Liam said: “Honestly, just being a nice guy. I’d rather be known for being a nice guy than anything else.”