One year after the tragic death of One Direction star Liam Payne, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and sisters Ruth Gibbins and Nicola Payne have shared deeply personal and heartbreaking tributes, reflecting on his profound absence and enduring legacy. Fans worldwide joined in remembrance, highlighting the collective grief for the beloved singer.
October 16, 2025, marked a somber milestone for fans and family of Liam Payne, the beloved member of global sensation One Direction. One year to the day since his untimely passing, those closest to him, including his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and his sisters Ruth Gibbins and Nicola Payne, took to social media to share emotional tributes, offering a poignant glimpse into their ongoing grief.
Payne tragically died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024. An autopsy later confirmed his cause of death as “polytrauma,” indicating multiple traumatic injuries. A subsequent toxicology report released by the prosecutor’s office in November 2024 revealed traces of “alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants” in his system, as reported by People.
Kate Cassidy’s Profound Loss and Remembrance
Liam Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, 26, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a black-and-white photo of herself snuggling in bed with Liam. Her caption resonated deeply with fans: “Today marks a full year without you here. I will forever hate goodbyes. I miss you Liam.”
In addition to the Instagram post, Cassidy also shared a playful video on TikTok featuring Liam lifting her up in a grassy field, capturing a moment of joy they shared. The outpouring of support in the comment section included a message from Damian Hurley, son of Elizabeth Hurley, who wrote, “love you so much 💔❤️.”
Reflecting on the past year, Cassidy previously revealed to Page Six that she experienced a two-month depression following Liam’s death. She described feeling “just not wanting to really live my life” during that period. She eventually found strength, starting by setting an alarm to get out of bed earlier each day, and focusing on her well-being to live not just for herself, but for Liam.
Sisters Ruth and Nicola Payne Share Their Heartbreak
Liam’s older sister, Ruth Gibbins, 34, penned a lengthy and raw statement on Instagram, beginning with a photo of her late brother dressed in a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired costume. Her words conveyed the unimaginable pain of his absence.
“1year, 12months, 52weeks, 365days… whichever way I say it, it still means the most heartbreaking truth that you’re not here any more,” Gibbins wrote. She expressed an “eternal homesick feeling” and the cruel lesson of learning that a sibling is “not guaranteed to be a lifer.” Ruth admitted she “underestimated” grief, finding herself “paralysed” by it daily. She also recounted a “reoccurring nightmare” where she is in his hotel room just before the tragedy, screaming for him, unable to be heard.
Ruth shared a poignant thought experiment: “If you had 5 more minutes with the person you miss the most, what would you do?” For Liam, she envisioned a final goodbye at his house, listening to his unique walk, walking in his garden where they would truly connect, and hearing his “kidish way” laugh. She now actively searches for signs of Liam’s presence, looking at robins, hoping butterflies land on her, and saying goodnight to the stars.
Nicola Payne, 37, also shared a moving tribute on Instagram, stating, “A year ago today marks a date I never wanted to see again.” She spoke of their lives changing forever and hearts being left “broken, with pieces missing.” Nicola recounted the devastating moment they learned of his death, unaware of his struggles, and the heartbreaking realization that “there wouldn’t be a next time” to share simple moments like discussing dinosaurs with her daughter Ffion.
Nicola lamented that they “didn’t get to say goodbye” and that all the “lasts had already happened.” She addressed the “unbearable” public scrutiny Liam faced in life and death, emphasizing that his memory has “never left” her thoughts. She finds solace in retelling stories and seeing signs of him everywhere: the brightest star, calming rain, rainbows, butterflies, and balloons floating to the sky, symbolizing “Uncle Liam” joining celebrations.
Nicola vowed to ensure Liam’s son, Bear, 8, knows “everything about the amazing daddy he has,” including his achievements and the unique traits that made him who he was. Her hopes for Liam remain constant: “That you are happy, that you know how loved you are, that you are at peace… I hope you still light up the spaces you enter, that your laughter brightens people’s mood.” She concluded her heartfelt statement with a collage of family photos, expressing her infinite love and pride: “I don’t want you to be a picture on my shelf or a video on my phone. I want you here with us, where you should be.”
One Direction’s Enduring Legacy and Collective Grief
Liam Payne was an integral part of One Direction, a band formed on The X Factor U.K. in 2010. Alongside bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan, he contributed to defining pop music of the decade. Liam co-wrote many of the band’s hit songs, including “Diana,” “Story of My Life,” and “No Control.” Their meteoric rise and lasting impact are etched in music history, as detailed by AllMusic.
The anniversary also saw a wave of tributes from the broader fan community and industry figures. Harry Styles’ mother, Anne Twist, shared a poignant message on Instagram, reposting a tribute from the “all on the board” account, which expressed wishes for Liam to find paradise and feel love from earth. Longtime fans, known as “Directioners,” flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to share their grief, emphasizing that “his voice left a mark that will never fade” and that he is “forever in our hearts.”
In the wake of his death last year, Liam’s bandmates reunited for the first time since their 2016 split to attend his funeral, a testament to their enduring bond. Beyond the emotional tributes, details of Liam’s estate have also come to light. As he died without leaving a will, he was declared intestate. His significant fortune, which amounted to £24,280,000 after expenses and debts, is likely to be placed in a trust for his eight-year-old son, Bear. This arrangement sees Liam’s ex and Bear’s mother, Cheryl Cole, tasked with safeguarding his fortune until Bear is older, ensuring his son’s financial security.
The collective remembrance on this first anniversary underscores the profound impact Liam Payne had on the lives of his loved ones and millions of fans worldwide. His music, his spirit, and his memory continue to resonate, reminding everyone of the talented artist and cherished individual he was.
