In the days following Liam Payne’s tragic death, his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, is struggling to process the sudden loss, according to the New York Post. The influencer, who was by Payne’s side just before he fell to his death, is reportedly devastated and haunted by her decision to leave him alone in Argentina.
“She Had No Idea What Was Going to Happen”
A close friend of Cassidy’s spoke exclusively to The Post, revealing the deep remorse and self-blame Cassidy is wrestling with. “She did what she needed to do at the time,” the friend shared. “She had no idea what was going to happen. Her decision will haunt her for the rest of her life.”
The Pain of Regret
Cassidy’s friend explained how Cassidy is “feeling bad” and grappling with feelings of guilt. While her friends assure her that she couldn’t have foreseen the tragic events, Cassidy remains inconsolable. “You can’t babysit a 30-year-old grown man 24/7/365. But she’s not in a place to hear that right now,” her friend added.
Attempting to Convince Payne to Return
In a TikTok vlog recorded just two days before Payne’s passing, Cassidy shared her decision to leave Argentina. Initially intended to be a short five-day trip, their vacation extended to two weeks. Cassidy’s friend noted that she even tried to convince Payne to come home to Miami, suspecting he was struggling.
“She tried, really. But he wasn’t receptive,” the friend said, clarifying that Cassidy’s departure wasn’t a form of abandonment, but a decision rooted in her own well-being. “She will forever be seen as the villain for leaving, but that’s not what happened.”
Homesick and Feeling “Held Hostage”
Cassidy reportedly felt homesick, yearning for the familiarity of her own space and her dog. The friend revealed that Cassidy felt “like she was in a hostage situation” during her final days in Argentina. “She kept extending her trip to make him happy, but she just wanted to go home.”
Payne’s Tragic Final Hours
On October 16, Payne, known for his hit “Teardrops,” fell from his third-floor hotel balcony at CasaSur Palermo Hotel. The impact proved fatal, with reports revealing multiple traumas and evidence of various substances in his system. He was 31.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, Cassidy shared that she and Payne had future plans together, including marriage. Now, she is left with memories and unresolved pain as she grapples with a loss she could never have anticipated.
