Liam Payne, the beloved singer and member of One Direction, was laid to rest on Wednesday in a private funeral held at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
Payne, who tragically passed away on October 16 at the age of 31, was honored by family, friends, and former colleagues.
Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik were among the mourners, alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and ex-partner Cheryl, with whom he shares a son, Bear.
Cheryl’s Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, as well as One Direction’s former label boss Simon Cowell, were also present, with Cowell seen comforting the grieving family.
The funeral procession featured a white horse-drawn hearse carrying Payne’s coffin, adorned with floral tributes spelling out “son” and “daddy.”
Among the floral arrangements was a touching nod to one of Payne’s favorite pastimes: a design resembling 10-pin bowling pins and a ball.
After the church service, Payne’s coffin was carried out by four pallbearers, followed by his parents and Cheryl.
Presenters James Corden, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, Scott Mills, and Adrian Chiles were also among those who attended the service to pay their respects.
A small crowd of locals gathered outside the church, though fans largely stayed away, respecting sentiments shared online that “memorials are for fans, funerals are for family.”
Payne, who resided in Chalfont St. Giles, passed away after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
An autopsy revealed he had suffered internal and external bleeding, as well as multiple traumatic injuries.
In a heartfelt statement following his death, Payne’s family said: “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 on The X Factor in 2010, Payne was a pivotal part of One Direction, a band that became a global phenomenon, selling 70 million records and achieving four UK number one singles and albums.
Beyond the band’s success, Payne found solo acclaim with hits like Strip That Down and Bedroom Floor.
Liam Payne is survived by his parents, two sisters, and his son, Bear. His legacy as a musician and his warm, spirited personality will continue to resonate with fans and loved ones worldwide.
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