Cheryl Tweedy has been granted the power to manage the estate of the late Liam Payne, who tragically died at the age of 31 without leaving a will. The former One Direction star met his untimely death in October 2024 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The "Strip That Down" singer, who fathered an eight-year-old son named Bear with Cheryl, left behind an estate valued at £24.3 million.
Legal documents submitted on May 1, 2025, reveal that music lawyer Richard Bray has also been appointed as an administrator of the estate. Initially valued at £28.6 million, Liam's assets were reduced to £24.3 million after settling debts and expenses. The court documents indicate that under U.K. intestacy laws, his son Bear will likely inherit the majority of the estate.
In the wake of her partner's passing, Cheryl expressed her profound sorrow, describing Liam's death as an "earth shattering event." She shared, "As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being," as reported by the Mirror.
Cheryl continued to highlight Liam's multifaceted identity beyond his celebrity status, stating, "Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our seven-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again." This heartfelt tribute underscores the emotional toll Liam's death has taken on those closest to him.
Her concerns for their son Bear were palpable as she wrote, "What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future." In a plea to the public, Cheryl urged, "I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl."
Bear, born on March 22, 2017, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, was the center of Liam's life. Announcing his birth on Instagram, Liam posted, "My close friends and family know there are very few times when I'm left speechless... wow!" Following Bear's first birthday, Liam and Cheryl ended their romantic involvement but remained committed to co-parenting their son harmoniously.
Despite not living with Bear full-time, Liam always ensured that he was well-provided for. Friends of the former couple revealed that long before any thought of tragedy, Liam had made arrangements to secure a solid financial future for Bear, having put measures in place "some years ago" to safeguard his wealth for his son. A source had earlier divulged to The Daily Mail, "Liam had some very sensible people around him for a time and he adored Bear so much. He always wanted to do the right thing by him financially. It is a small consolation that Bear will never want for anything, that he will at least benefit from that."
On October 16, 2024, Liam Payne's life was cut short when he fell from the balcony of the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires. A postmortem report indicated that he died of multiple traumas and hemorrhaging caused by the fall. A preliminary toxicology report revealed that he had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his death.
Authorities in Argentina concluded that Liam likely fell while attempting to escape the hotel after being locked in his room. Following the incident, prosecutors brought involuntary manslaughter charges against two hotel workers and Payne’s friend, Roger Nores, over their alleged roles in his death. However, the trio were ultimately acquitted, while two others accused of selling Payne drugs remain detained as they await trial.
Liam's legacy continues to resonate, especially as he was remembered at the Brit Awards in March 2025 with a video montage celebrating his life and career. This tribute showcased moments from his time with One Direction, the boy band that catapulted him to fame, as well as clips from his solo career, including his debut album, LP1, released in December 2019.
Cheryl Tweedy's role as administrator of Liam's estate is significant, especially in light of the fact that he died intestate. The rules of intestacy in England and Wales stipulate that a person's spouse and then their children have first claim to the estate if there is no will. This legal framework means that Cheryl, despite their separation, is now responsible for ensuring that Bear is provided for financially.
The emotional impact of Liam's death extends far beyond the financial aspects. His former girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who had been with him until just days before his death, has spoken openly about her grief. In an interview, she recalled their last moments together, saying, "I remember sitting there with him and I was going on and on and on about how much I love him. And he laughed and interrupted me and was like: 'Kate you're gonna miss your flight, your car is in the driveway.'" Reflecting on that final exchange, Kate expressed her sorrow, saying, "Looking back in time and knowing that was the last time I was ever gonna see him again is just so chilling."
As the world remembers Liam Payne, his contributions to music and the love he had for his family remain at the forefront of his legacy. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, the outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and family serves as a testament to the impact he had during his 31 years.
