In the wake of Liam Payne’s heartbreaking death at 31, his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, has resurfaced, drawing support from fans with many wondering how she is coping with the loss
Liam Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy was spotted for the first time in Florida on Sunday, October 20. She was accompanied by two close friends during a low-key outing to pick up pet supplies.
A fan comment dated October 21, 2024 | Source: TikTok/@thesun
The 25-year-old influencer kept things casual, donning an oversized graphic T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and slides, with her hair loosely cascading down her face. Her friends matched her laid-back vibe, similarly dressed in oversized tees and sweats.
The trio had a furry companion by their side—a dog many believe to be Nala, the beloved pup that Payne and Cassidy rescued together. Following the outing, fans were quick to express concern for Cassidy’s emotional state.
@thesun Kate Cassidy, 25, looked distraught as she was spotted shopping in Wellington, Florida, with pals. #thesun #uknews #payne #onedirection #liampayne #news #showbiz #1d #celebrity #homenews #fyp
@thesun Kate Cassidy, 25, looked distraught as she was spotted shopping in Wellington, Florida, with pals. #thesun #uknews #payne #onedirection #liampayne #news #showbiz #1d #celebrity #homenews #fyp
Others took solace in seeing her with Nala, a small reminder of her bond with Payne. “God bless her. She’s in pain. I’m glad to see Nala with her. I hope Kate will be okay,” another fan wrote. Sentiments echoed across social media, with some commenting that Cassidy looked “empty” and like she had “been crying for days.”
Others even urged that paparazzi “should let people mourn in peace.” One user expressed their sorrow, writing, “So sad to lose someone you love.” This individual revealed their own experience with loss, adding, “prayers to her and the family.”
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy in Paris, France on March 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As more comments flooded in online, someone else shared, “My heart just breaks for her💔.” Another remarked, “I can’t even imagine how broken she is. So much happened in such a short time.” Many noted that Cassidy looked “gutted.”
A fan comment dated October 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
One observer commented, “She looks sad; the guilt she must be feeling right now, wouldn’t have left him alone and even more so in those distressing circumstances!” Another added, “She looks miserable. Prayers for her and the guilt she must be feeling.”
Cassidy’s sighting comes just a few days after the former One Direction member died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16. Payne, who was only 31 at the time, fell from the balcony of his third-story room at CasaSur Palermo Hotel, where he had been staying.
Liam Payne in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Although his death was initially surrounded by mystery, it was later reported that he was under the influence of potent drugs. Taking to social media on Friday, Cassidy reportedly paid tribute to Payne, with whom she lived in Florida.
In her Instagram Story, she expressed her gratitude for the kind words and love she had received, stating that she felt completely lost. Cassidy remarked that nothing about the past few days felt real and requested grace and space to navigate her grief privately.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet in London, England Club on July 12, 2023 Source: Getty Images
Payne and Cassidy arrived in Argentina on September 30, 2024, ready to enjoy what appeared to be a relaxing vacation. The couple posted photos and videos on social media, showing them soaking in the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires.
From scenic outings to intimate moments, their followers were treated to a glimpse of their time together, with Payne seemingly in high spirits. However, Cassidy left Argentina on October 14, flying back to Florida.
Kate Cassidy holding a travelling neck pillow | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
She later explained in a TikTok video that the couple originally planned to stay for five days, but the trip stretched into two weeks.
She shared that she felt ready to go home, citing travel anxiety and the need to leave after an extended stay. “I was just like, ‘I need to go home,'” she explained. “I was so ready to leave,” Cassidy admitted, explaining that her travel anxiety even triggered a “weird rash” before her flight.
Kate Cassidy enjoys a meal during her flight | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
“Honestly, love South America but I hate staying in one place for too long,” she shared, adding that it was a relief to finally return to Florida. Meanwhile, Payne stayed behind in Buenos Aires, checking into the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
Kate Cassidy | Source: tiktok.com/@katecass
Hours before his tragic death on October 16, Payne shared what would become his last post on Snapchat. In the now-deleted post, he shared a video showing behind-the-scenes moments of his time in Argentina, including clips with Cassidy.
The singer described the day as “lovely” and included a photo of the two of them standing together, looking into a mirror. However, despite his upbeat caption, some followers noticed something was off about his appearance.
Liam Payne, dated October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dailymail
“He seems sad underneath,” one person commented, while another added, “His eyes show sorrow and trouble. So sad and tragic loss 😢.” Observant fans expressed concern, with comments like, “He seems dead inside” and “Looks frustrated and aggravated.”
Others were even more blunt, with one person stating, “His eyes look empty to me. There’s nothing there,” while another added, “He lwk (sic) seemed depressed.”
Liam Payne, dated October 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dailymail
While Cassidy’s reasons for leaving seemed personal, Payne’s decision to stay behind soon led to troubling events that would culminate in his tragic death.
On the day of Payne’s demise, troubling reports of his behavior began to surface. Before his death, hotel staff and guests at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires witnessed the singer acting erratically.
According to multiple sources, Payne was seen in the hotel lobby earlier, displaying aggressive and unsettling behavior. One witness recalled a shocking moment when Payne smashed his laptop in front of startled onlookers. His behavior became so disruptive that the hotel staff had to physically carry him back to his room.
Liam Payne at the Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on January 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Hours before the fatal fall, someone at the hotel made a 911 call reporting an “aggressive” male, though Payne’s identity wasn’t mentioned at the time. The caller’s report matched accounts from those who had seen Payne in the lobby earlier, concerned by his behavior.
The events took a tragic turn just after 5 p.m. local time when Payne fell from his third-floor hotel room balcony. Emergency services arrived quickly, but despite their best efforts, Payne was pronounced dead on the spot.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy in London, England on February 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
He had succumbed to the severity of his injuries, which included a cranial fracture. Alberto Crescenti, head of Argentina’s emergency medical system, confirmed that Payne’s injuries were “incompatible with life,” making resuscitation impossible.
Officials urged the public not to jump to conclusions and to wait for the results of the autopsy and toxicology report. It remains unclear whether Liam Payne’s fall was accidental or intentional.
