The funeral of One Direction singer Liam Payne will take place today (Wednesday, 20 November) in the Home Counties. The singer tragically died las month at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Argentina, with an autopsy revealing that he'd suffered internal and external bleeding as a result of the fall.
Following the heartbreaking incident, Liam's body was flown back home after officials in Buenos Aires granted permission earlier this month, and now his funeral is set to take place in the Home Counties in south-east England. Expected to pay their respects amongst the heartbroken mourners are Liam's fellow One Direction bandmates – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik.
The group's expected attendance at the private service would mark their first reunion in almost 10 years. After Zayn stepped back from the band in March 2015, the remaining members revealed that they'd be going on an indefinite hiatus in August 2015.
Also expected to attend the service is the late star's girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who had spent some time in Argentina on holiday with Liam before his death. However Kate, who has revealed that Liam had written a note predicting that they would get married within a year, flew back home to Florida just days before his shock death. Music mogul Simon Cowell is also anticipated to be present at the service, as are Liam's family and closest friends.
In an emotional statement given last month, One Direction expressed their grief following the death of Liam. "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say," the statement read, reports the Mirror.
"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."
Following the tragic loss of Liam over a month ago, his doting father Geoff made the journey to South America to visit the hotel where Liam tragically passed away and to see the tributes left by grieving fans. "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul," his family said in a statement at the time.
