Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, left behind an estate valued at over £24 million (approximately $32 million) when he died in October 2024 after a tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. The 31-year-old singer, who did not leave a will, had his estate placed under the administration of his former partner, Cheryl Tweedy, and music industry lawyer Richard Bray.
According to court documents, the total gross value of Payne's estate was initially reported to be £28.6 million, but this figure was adjusted to £24.3 million after accounting for debts and expenses. As the mother of Payne's eight-year-old son, Bear, Cheryl has been granted limited authority to manage the estate, which means she and Bray cannot yet distribute any funds.
Payne's untimely death shocked fans and the music industry alike. He fell from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Hotel, and authorities later determined that his death was due to multiple traumatic injuries with internal and external hemorrhaging. A toxicology report revealed that drugs, including cocaine and a cocktail of recreational substances, were present in his system at the time of the fall, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Initially, five individuals were charged with criminal negligence related to Payne's death; however, by February 2025, charges against three of them were dropped. The remaining two individuals, a hotel employee and a waiter, are still accused of supplying drugs to Payne prior to the incident, facing potential prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years.
Cheryl, who dated Payne from 2016 to 2018, expressed her grief publicly, urging the media to respect Payne's memory. In an emotional statement shared on Instagram shortly after his passing, she said, "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. 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 son. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last."
Cheryl also indicated that the estate could be placed in trust for Bear, ensuring that the young boy is cared for financially as he grows up without his father. The couple welcomed their son in March 2017, and despite their separation, both parents have emphasized their commitment to co-parenting.
At the time of his death, Payne was reportedly in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy, who had left Argentina just days before the incident. She described their time together as filled with love and positivity, stating, "Liam was in such a good headspace when I left Argentina. We were in such a great place, just full of love; he was so happy and positive."
Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction, one of the most successful boy bands of the 2010s, before embarking on a solo career with hits like "Strip That Down." His death has left a significant impact on his fans and the music community, with many mourning the loss of a talented artist whose career was tragically cut short.
In the wake of Payne's passing, his family has rallied around Bear, ensuring he knows how much his father loved him. Payne's sister, Ruth, shared on social media, "We'll take care of Bear and he will always know how incredible his dad is and how much you idolize him." Ruth has also opened up about her own grief, expressing the challenges of coping with the loss of her brother.
The investigation into Payne's death continues to leave many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the events leading up to his fatal fall. Fans and loved ones alike are left grappling with the suddenness of his passing and the implications of his estate being managed without a will.
As the legal process unfolds, Cheryl and Bray will work to preserve the estate until a general grant is made, which will provide them with broader authority to manage and distribute Payne's assets. Until then, the focus remains on ensuring Bear's well-being and honoring the memory of a beloved artist.
