Liam Payne’s father has begun the somber task of bringing his son’s body back to the UK, after the former One Direction singer’s tragic passing in Buenos Aires last month. Payne’s remains were flown out of Argentina on Wednesday, with the flight to London departing at 1:58 pm local time. Just before boarding, Payne’s father, Geoff, was seen at Ezeiza International Airport, appearing solemn in a brief video that surfaced on social media.
Reports indicate that Payne’s body was moved from the British Cemetery in Buenos Aires, where the necessary preparations were made. The funeral home responsible for arrangements confirmed on Tuesday that the repatriation would take place within 48 hours.
The singer, who passed away on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires, was only 31. His untimely death struck a deep chord globally, with family, friends, former bandmates, and fans expressing their grief and condolences. This loss has also reignited conversations on the mental health support needed for young stars thrust into the limelight.
Payne had been open about his struggles with substance use and the challenges of managing fame from an early age. Hotel staff reportedly contacted emergency services twice about a guest who was “overwhelmed” and causing disturbances within the hotel. Geoff Payne later returned to a memorial site outside the CasaSur, where fans left letters, flowers, and photos to honor his son’s memory.
While One Direction, known for its massive worldwide tours, went on hiatus in 2016, Payne saw some solo success afterward, though recent years had seen his career slow down.
