A heartbreaking tribute from his son has been spotted at Liam Payne’s funeral, as his former One Direction bandmates, family and friends gathered to farewell the late star on Wednesday (local time).
On the carriage transporting his coffin, two floral tributes were prominently displayed.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Tributes flow for One Direction star Liam Payne.
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One read “Daddy,” a poignant nod from his seven-year-old son Bear, while the other read “Son,” a tribute from his grieving parents, Karen and Geoff Payne.
Bear was not photographed at the service, however his mother, former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy was seen.
The private service was held on Wednesday (UK time) at St Mary’s Church in Amersham, northwest of London.
Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson were seen arriving to pay their respects, while music mogul Simon Cowell, who managed the band throughout their rise to fame, also attended.
The church was adorned with white roses and candle holders, reflecting a sombre but loving atmosphere.
The service was carefully planned by Payne’s parents, Karen and Geoff Payne, who have remained out of the public eye as they mourn their son.
Payne died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Toxicology reports revealed alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his death.
Argentinian authorities have since charged three individuals with “abandonment of a person followed by death, supply and facilitation of narcotics.”
The Wolverhampton-born singer had been in Buenos Aires to attend bandmate Niall Horan’s concert but decided to extend his stay.
His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, had returned home days before the incident occurred.
Payne had spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health in recent years.
He celebrated six months of sobriety in mid-2023 after completing treatment in the US but later postponed a solo tour due to health complications.
He is survived by his son Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl Tweedy.
The pair co-parented amicably after their split in 2018.
Payne’s former bandmates described themselves as “completely devastated” in a joint statement following his death.
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly,” they wrote.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam.”
Payne rose to fame in 2010 as part of One Direction, the global sensation formed on The X Factor.
– With AAP