Kate Cassidy, the girlfriend of Liam Payne, has spoken publicly for the first time since the tragic news of the former One Direction star’s passing.
The couple had been in Argentina when Payne, aged 31, was reported to have died after falling from a hotel balcony on the third floor in Buenos Aires.
Authorities responded to a 911 call on Wednesday (October 16) about a ‘guest drunk with drugs and alcohol,’ as per the call transcript.
Upon arrival, officials confirmed that Payne had fallen from his balcony and sustained ‘injuries that were incompatible with life,’ according to Alberto Crescenti, who leads the state emergency medical system.
Just two days before Payne’s death, Cassidy had left Argentina, sharing in a TikTok video her eagerness to depart the country.
She commented: “Honestly, I love South America but I hate staying in one place for too long and we were supposed to be there for like five days and it turned into two weeks and I was just like I need to go home.”
Upon her return to the US, Cassidy expressed her relief at being home, recording herself ordering a bagel and then heading to bed.
Now, following Payne’s untimely death, Cassidy has released a heartfelt statement.
“Thank you for all the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss,” she penned.
“Nothing about the past few days have felt real.”
“I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.”
“Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely.
“I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
Social media influencer Cassidy started dating Payne in 2022.
She had previously mentioned that she ‘manifested’ their relationship at age 10, after drawing Payne’s image on a popsicle stick.
In a video, Cassidy remarked: “And somehow 10 years later…” while revealing Payne in her childhood bedroom.
She captioned this moment: “The power of manifesting, I guess.”
The duo was seen together at red carpet events and documented their international adventures, visiting places such as New York, Spain, and Italy.
Fans have been offering condolences to Cassidy, with one noting: “Thanks for making Liam happy, so sorry for your loss.”