Liam Payne, the former ‘One Direction’ star, tragically died on October 16, 2024, after falling from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room in Argentina. He died at the age of 31, suffering from multiple traumatic injuries.

Cassidy was by Payne’s side in the days leading up to his death, but just two days before the fatal accident, she made the difficult decision to return home to Florida.

Speaking through tears, Cassidy explained her choice to leave Payne: “I had a responsibility, we had a responsibility. We had our dog and obviously I never, ever thought this event would occur.”

Cassidy added, “It was a tragic accident and no, I never did think (he might die young). But, you know, we did have our own separate lives — this wasn’t the first time we have traveled separately.”

Since Payne’s passing, Cassidy has kept a low profile, moving her belongings out of the property they shared in London and returning to her hometown in New Jersey. In November, she attended Liam Payne’s funeral in Buckinghamshire, accompanied by Damian Hurley, but did not arrive with his family.

In the wake of his death, Cassidy has been struggling with grief and often calls Payne’s old phone number, hoping to hear his voicemail greeting.

“I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said, ‘Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444’. Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel,” she shared in a poignant tribute to her late boyfriend.

Kate Cassidy recalls heartbreaking moments after Liam Payne’s death

While some of Liam Payne’s friends learned of his death through social media, Kate Cassidy was notified of the heartbreaking news by one of Payne’s friends while she was at home with their dog, Nala, scrolling through social media.

At first, she thought it was a cruel hoax but had a “bad feeling” that it might be true. Without hesitation, her mother booked the first flight to Florida to be by her side as Cassidy “blacked out” in disbelief.

Still in shock, she shared that she picked up her phone and called Payne, hoping to speak to him. One lingering mystery surrounding Payne’s death remains unclear to Cassidy as well—just hours before his fatal fall, he was seen in a hotel lobby smashing his laptop in a fit of rage.

She admitted that she had no idea what caused her boyfriend to relapse. Payne had been open about his struggles over the years, including with alcohol, and Cassidy had supported him through it because she “loved his soul.”

Even though Payne turned to drinking and drugs after she left Argentina, she believed he had been in a “good headspace” when she departed. Before his death, she had texted Payne about the Halloween decorations she had arranged at their Florida mansion, which he sadly never got to see.

Cassidy was then dealt another blow just days later when the person who had helped with the decorations contacted her to ask whether the Batman fan had liked what was waiting for him—unaware that he had already died.

Internet slams Kate Cassidy following her emotional interview about Liam Payne’s death

Kate Cassidy’s interview about Liam Payne’s death has sparked backlash on social media, with users accusing her of using his tragedy for personal gain.

Critics questioned the authenticity of her tears and her delayed public appearance, while others highlighted rumors and alleged statements she made during their time together. Many feel she is seeking attention and money rather than genuinely grieving.

A user wrote, “She never really loved him, she wanted his money, his social status. If you truly love him, you help him, you don’t leave him alone in his low moments.”

Another added, “From what I’ve seen from body language experts, her tears seem more in the fake side simply due to the lack of tension in the forehead, raised brows, and lack of tears. I’m just saying”

One commentator remarked, “u know a person who’s “not guilty” wouldn’t go out and give an interview 4 months after her “soulmate” passed away!”

“She was also rumoured to have said that he was holding her hostage while they were there etc..I can almost guarantee she rehearsed this,” said one.

A person stated, “She stays silent all this time then does an interview for a tabloid for $$$ NO THANKS!”

Someone else chimed in, “I won’t believe a single word that comes out of her mouth. This little money-grabbing”