Last month, Geoff Payne took on a heartbreaking task that no parent wants to face. He had to repatriate the remains of his son Liam Payne after the boy died on October 16 after falling from the third floor of the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires.
The British artist’s body was released by Argentine authorities two days earlier after final autopsy results were obtained and was embalmed according to international standards for transporting human remains.
Liam’s body was placed in a coffin, protected by a black box and sturdy plastic wrap. It had been loaded into the cargo hold of a British Airways plane at Jorge Newbery International Airport after standard checks, preparing to take him back to London.
Meanwhile, Geoff completed the usual international customs formalities, accompanied by Paul Higgins, who was one of the main bodyguards for Liam and the other members of One Direction during their time together.
As well as caring for his son, Higgins supported Geoff through every step of the process of bringing Liam home, where his funeral will take place.
In the UK, the rest of the family is waiting for Geoff and Liam: his wife and Liam’s mother, Karen Payne, and his two daughters, Ruth and Nicola — as well as Bear, their only son. The late artist and musician, seven years old.
What will Liam Payne’s funeral be like?
Payne’s family has not released any statement about the artist’s funeral plans. Geoff is the only person seen publicly, handling affairs in Buenos Aires and visiting the place where his son died twice.
Before leaving for England, Liam’s father spoke to fans who were tending to gifts left on the doorstep of the CasaSur hotel in honor of his son.
Several sources claiming to be friends of the artist have claimed that a star-studded funeral is being prepared at a church in London. However, as of the time of this publication, no plans have been officially announced. We will keep you posted.
Meanwhile, fans continue to track the artist’s flight using the flight app and Argentine authorities are continuing to investigate his death. This week, the homes of two hotel workers were searched and a man close to Liam Payne in Argentina is being investigated.
– Originally published in Latin Times
Tags Liam Payne, One Direction