Former One Direction star Liam Payne’s funeral took place today in Buckinghamshire following his tragic death at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony
Liam Payne was laid to rest as his family and friends came together for his funeral.
The former One Direction star tragically died on October 16 aged 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Those closest to him attended a service in Buckinghamshire as they said their final goodbye. Liam’s devastated dad Geoff had flew out to Argentina following his tragic death and brought his body back to the UK two weeks ago.
His former One Direction bandmates – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik – all joined the service, as well as Cheryl Tweedy, mother to his seven-year-old son Bear. Three people have since been charged in connection with his death, following his fall from a hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires. X Factor star Liam sustained “serious injuries that were incompatible with life”. An inquiry into his death is ongoing.
Louis paid his respects to Liam at the service (
Image:
PA)
Zayn joined his former bandmates at the funeral (
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Zayn Malik and the rest of his One Direction bandmates put their differences aside to attend the funeral. The 31-year-old singer left the band in 2015, and although it’s been reported in recent years that he wants to make up with the lads, today was the first time he’s seen them all together since.
One Direction stars among mourners at Liam Payne’s funeral
But Zayn’s reunion with Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson is under circumstances none of them would ever have imagined. The four of them arrived wearing black suits, solemnly taking in the floral displays put on for Liam. They attended the ceremony alongside Liam’s loved ones, including friends, family and celebrity pals.
Bear’s heartbreaking tribute
A floral tribute was left by Bear (
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PA)
A tear-jerking tribute to Liam Payne left by his only son Bear provoked moving scenes at the singer’s funeral. Liam’s body arrived in a white-horse drawn procession to the church with floral tributes displayed by his coffin. One of the tributes was left by Liam’s seven-year-old son Bear. The word ‘Daddy’ was spelled in white roses and left on display beside the church graveyard during the service today. Another floral tribute with red roses, said “son” from Liam’s parents.
Simon Cowell comforted by Liam’s parents
They shared an emotional embrace together (
Image:
WireImage)
Simon Cowell received the comfort of Liam Payne’s mum and dad as he attended the late star’s funeral. X Factor judge and show creator Simon, who helped to form One Direction back in 2010, attended the funeral with his fiancée Lauren Silverman. While outside the church, Simon was consoled by Liam’s dad Geoff and mum Karen. They both placed an arm around the music mogul as they shared an emotional moment together.
Meaning behind poignant displays
Liam had a love for bowling (
Image:
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Liam’s family went to great lengths to ensure the service and arrangements were the perfect tribute to the singer. The service cleverly integrated special touches to honour Liam, alongside the more classic flower displays and candles. One such personal item on display to mourners as they entered the Buckinghamshire church was a floral display showing a series of bowling pins being hit by a ball, arranged out of fresh flowers.
The piece lovingly calls back to Liam’s famous love of bowling, which spent his 31st birthday doing with his family on the 29th August this year. Many cars bringing guests to the church had Batman stickers on the front windshields, showing the logo of a black bat against a white background. Liam’s love of Batman was well-documented, with some fans even saying he was “obsessed” with the mysterious superhero.
Liam Payne’s coffin arrived at church
Silence fell over the crowd as Liam’s coffin arrived (
Image:
PA)
The singer’s famous friends watched solemnly as a white horse drawn carriage arrived at St Mary’s church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, adorned with ‘Son’, spelled out in red flowers. On top of the carriage, there was also a white and blue floral tribute, which said: ‘Daddy’, in reference to the son, Bear, which Liam shares with Cheryl.
A hush fell over the gathered crowd as Liam’s coffin arrived at the church, carried in a horse-drawn hearse, which was decorated with white roses and his name. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, broken only by muffled sobs as his devoted family followed closely behind. Dressed in black, they clung to one another, their faces etched with sorrow but resolute in their love for Liam.
Final act of kindness
Liam Payne’s order of service has revealed the star’s final act of kindness as he was laid to rest today.
The funeral service included booklets that urged attendees to donate to children’s hospital Great Ormond Street. It’s a fitting gesture from Liam, who was reported to have spent his final weeks donating to fundraisers for unwell children.
The order of service (
Image:
Tony Kershaw / SWNS)
The booklet read: “Thank you for attending the service and thank you for all the kind messages received. Liam would like you to make a donation. In memory of Liam we’d like you to consider Great Ormond Street Hospital, ” alongside a link to the foundations page.
Louis Tomlinson was seen holding onto the order of service, as he took some time to himself to gather his thoughts after saying goodbye to his friend and former bandmate.
Girlfriend Kate Cassidy supported
Kate arrived with Damien Hurley (
Image:
Getty Images)
Kate Cassidy was pictured outside the church dressed in black and wearing sunglasses and accompanied by actor and model Damian Hurley. She said she has “lost the best part of myself” following the singer’s death. In a post to Instagram a week following the singer’s death, Kate said: “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 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.
“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.”
