Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff
C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
The funeral of former One Direction member Liam Payne will be held this Wednesday in the Home Counties. A strictly private service will be attended by close family, friends and former bandmates of the late star, who died aged 31.
Payne tragically died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy confirmed he sustained multiple traumatic injuries, including internal and external bleeding, as a result of the fall.
In a heartfelt statement, his family shared their grief: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.”
Coming into prominence in the 2010s as part of One Direction on The X Factor, Payne became one of the most recognizable figures in pop. Having finished third in the competition, One Direction nonetheless achieved incredible success, becoming the biggest British band since The Beatles. The group sold 70 million records during their five-year career, with multiple chart-topping albums and singles.
Payne also enjoyed chart success as a solo artist, co-writing many of One Direction's hits and releasing huge tracks like Strip That Down and Bedroom Floor.
He is survived by his parents, two sisters, his son Bear-whom he shared with Girls Aloud star Cheryl-and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who is also expected to attend the funeral.
Payne's sudden death leaves his fans and loved ones mourning the loss of a very brilliant artist and an exceptionally loved person.
