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Liam Payne, the beloved former 'One Direction' star known for hits like ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ and ‘Night Changes,’ tragically passed away in Argentina on October 16, 2024, at the age of 31.
His sudden death shocked fans around the world and left his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy, heartbroken. In the months that followed, Cassidy withdrew from the spotlight as she navigated overwhelming grief. Now, a close friend is opening up about the deep pain she endured and her slow journey toward healing.
Kate Cassidy’s friend reveals emotional aftermath
According to a close friend who spoke with the Daily Mail, Cassidy’s grief after Payne’s death was overwhelming.
“There were months where I literally didn’t see her smile, and I was seeing her every day,” the friend said. “It was so concerning. She didn’t even seem like herself. She canceled a lot of hangouts and just was almost a recluse.”The insider added that Cassidy, who began dating Payne in 2022, is now slowly finding her footing again. “There was a point where she was definitely not OK, but she’s getting better now,” the source continued.
“She’s moving forward now. She knows it’s what he would have wanted.”The friend also shared that Cassidy has started spending time with loved ones again. “She’s hanging out with friends and even open to dating again, though she’s not quite there yet,” they said, adding that those closest to her are relieved to see her healing.
Kate Cassidy stands by Liam Payne’s memory amid controversy
The Daily Mail source also mentioned that Cassidy is choosing to ignore recent claims made by CasaSur Palermo Hotel server Braian Nahuel Paiz, who alleged that he spent an intimate night with Payne and supplied him with drugs before the singer’s death.
“Kate doesn’t pay any attention to them,” the friend said of the allegations. “She knows what she and Liam had, and that it was very, very good. Whatever happened that day doesn’t change the love and respect of her relationship with Liam.
”Cassidy had left Argentina two days before Payne’s death. Reports stated that the singer had asked her to stay longer and began behaving “erratically” after she flew home. Authorities later confirmed that drugs were found in Payne’s system following an autopsy, and several individuals, including Paiz, were charged with supplying him with the substances.
Shortly after the tragedy, Cassidy shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram: “Nothing about the past few days have felt real.
I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private. Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
Honoring his memory and finding strength
In the months since Payne’s passing, Cassidy has continued to honor his memory in heartfelt ways.
She previously reflected on their last trip together, when they attended a friend’s wedding in France just weeks before his death.Most recently, on the one-year anniversary of Payne’s death, Cassidy shared a touching tribute on Instagram. She posted a photo of herself with the late singer, writing, “Today marks a full year without you here. I will forever hate goodbyes. I miss you Liam.” The emotional post quickly drew messages of love and support from fans who continue to mourn alongside her.
According to those close to her, she is learning to move forward while keeping his memory alive. As one insider told the Daily Mail, “She knows it’s what he would have wanted.”Liam Payne’s untimely death remains one of the most heartbreaking losses in music. For Kate Cassidy, the road to healing has been painful, but she continues to find strength in love, memory, and the legacy of the man she adored.