It’s been one year since Kate Cassidy last saw Liam Payne alive — and the memory still feels raw.
The influencer, who had been in a relationship with the late One Direction star for two years, shared a deeply emotional video on social media, reflecting on her final day with him in Argentina.
Liam passed away at just 31 years old after a tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Palmero Hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024.
Kate Remembers Their Final Moments Together
Fighting back tears, Kate told her followers that October 12 marked the last day she spent with Liam before flying home to the U.S.
“I woke up today feeling numb,” she admitted. “It’s such a strange feeling — like nothing could faze me.”
She recalled sitting with Liam on the couch, trying to express how much she would miss him.
“I was just telling him how much I love him,” she said softly. “It was such a long, heartfelt goodbye.”
Then, Liam had smiled at her and said, “You’re going to miss your flight, you’re acting like this is the last time you’ll ever see me again.”
Kate paused as her voice broke. “And little did I know,” she said, “it really was the last time.”
A Painful Reminder to Cherish Loved Ones
Kate ended her video with a heartfelt message for others — urging fans to hold their loved ones close.
“You never know what tomorrow brings,” she said.
“Tell the people you love how much they mean to you. Hold them a little tighter today.”
She explained that she left Argentina earlier than planned to take care of their rescue dog, Nala — a decision that now weighs heavily on her heart.
Struggling Through Grief and Finding Healing
After Liam’s sudden death, Kate admitted she slipped into a two-month depression.
“I was doing nothing — just trying to deal with that pain,” she told Page Six at a recent National Alliance on Mental Illness event.
“I didn’t even want to live my life for a while.”
But slowly, she began to rebuild herself — one small step at a time.
“I started setting an alarm, waking up earlier each day,” she said.
“Then I began working out, eating better, and trying to live my life for both of us.”
Now, she focuses on staying active and maintaining a positive mindset. “Being busy keeps my mind healthy,” she explained.
“I like to get up early, plan a workout, eat clean — it helps me feel grounded.”
Remembering the Man Behind the Fame
When Kate speaks about Liam, her words are filled with warmth. “He lit up every room,” she said with a sad smile.
“He was funny, kind, and just so sweet. I’ve never met anyone like him — and I don’t think I ever will.”
She added that she’s grateful for the love they shared.
“In a way, I’m glad he’ll always be that one person for me,” she reflected. “He was the best person I ever met.”
The Investigation Into Liam’s Death Continues
Nearly a year after his passing, the investigation into Liam’s death remains ongoing.
His cause of death was ruled as polytrauma — meaning he suffered multiple severe injuries.
While initial manslaughter charges against hotel staff were dropped, two employees — Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz — have been charged with supplying cocaine to the singer.
Argentine authorities are still reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and digital evidence before setting a trial date.
A toxicology report confirmed that Liam had traces of cocaine, alcohol, and antidepressants in his system at the time of his death.
A Tragic End to a Beloved Star’s Journey
Liam had been in Buenos Aires with Kate for what was meant to be a relaxing getaway.
The couple attended Niall Horan’s concert, and when Kate flew home early, Liam decided to extend his stay.
But in his final days, witnesses described erratic behavior.
Reports suggest he was asked to leave one hotel before moving to Casa Sur Palmero, where staff later grew concerned for his wellbeing.
Moments before his fall, officials were alerted that the pop star was under the influence and damaging his room.
Minutes later, a loud crash was heard — and Liam was found in the courtyard below.
A Legacy That Still Echoes Around the World
Liam Payne’s passing sent shockwaves across the globe.
Fans in the UK, the US, Argentina, and beyond held vigils, lighting candles and playing his songs in tribute.
As Kate marked a year since her last goodbye, her message resonated deeply — a reminder of love, loss, and the fragility of life.
“Hold your loved ones close,” she said softly. “You never know when it might be the last time.”