US influencer Kate Cassidy, who began dating Liam Payne in 2022, described his death as a “tragic accident” and expressed her regret over leaving Argentina shortly before the incident. The 31-year-old singer died on October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires.
In her first interview since his passing, Cassidy, 25, shared that she had returned to Florida to care for their dog, Nala, believing Payne was in a “good headspace” at the time. She reflected on the unexpected nature of his death, stating, “I never did think [he might die young]… Obviously if I knew, I would never have left Argentina.”
Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend a concert by his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan. Following his death, toxicology reports revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with two individuals charged for supplying drugs and three facing manslaughter charges, including a businessman who was with Payne and two hotel managers.
Payne, who gained fame as part of One Direction, is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear, who he co-parented with ex-partner Cheryl Tweedy.