Liam Payne’s funeral is set to take place today (20 November), with his One Direction bandmates being said to attend.
The singer tragically fell to his death after falling from the third floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buneos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October.
Payne’s funeral is being held today in the Home Counties in the south-east, and comes after three people have been charged in connection with the incident.
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An investigation has been launched into his death by prosecutors with a post-mortem examination reporting he died of multiple traumas and ‘internal and external haemorrhage’.
Since the 31-year-old’s death, fans have held vigils across the globe in memory of the star.
With his family and friends in attendance and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy reported to be there, it is also expected several celebrities will be at his funeral.
Alongside Payne’s old One Direction bandmates (Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson), the music mogul who put them all together, Simon Cowell, is expected to be in attendance.
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The band, who took a hiatus in 2015, released a joint statement following Payne’s death, which read: “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. 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."
Cowell wrote on social media how he was ‘truly devastated', 'heartbroken' and felt 'empty' after hearing the news.
He added in his statement: "I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were. And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”
It is believed the funeral today will be held in private, with fans on social media urging others not to show up.
The charges in connection to Payne’s death were announced on 7 November as one of those confirmed had been accompanying the singer in Argentina and is accused of ‘abandonment of a person followed by death’.
A hotel employee and a third person have also been charged with supplying drugs.
The announcement from authorities also ruled out third party involvement and ‘self-harm’ in the singer’s death with some of his devices still being analysed.
More than 800 hours of video footage from security cameras have been analysed as well as several dozen testimonies from hotel staff, family members, friends and medical professionals.
Topics: Liam Payne, Celebrity, UK News
Jess Battison