Liam Payne has been branded the "most special guy" in a tearful tribute.
The late 31-year tragically fell to his death from the balcony of his third floor hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16 The star died after suffering multiple traumas leading to an "internal and external haemorrhage". Just over a month after his devastating death, Liam was laid to rest during a private ceremony for his close friends and family.
In attendance at the church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, his former One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik comforted one another as they remembered their "brother." The band were also joined by those who worked with them over the years, including various members of their management team and those who worked behind the scenes.
Taking to Instagram hours after Liam was laid to rest, Ben Winston who worked with One Direction on their music videos and even their movie, shared a string of images taken with and of Liam over the years. He said: "Today we remember, mourn and celebrate, the most special wonderful guy who truly lit up every room he was in, with a kindness, goodness and boyish enthusiasm, that was as infectious as it was pure and beautiful."
The director shared a string of previously unseen snaps of Liam taken over the years, as he navigated becoming one fifth of the biggest boyband to exist. One image showed Liam and Ben posing for a selfie while on tour, meanwhile a second showed Liam in character as Leeroy in the music video for Best Song Ever.
But one striking image, showed Liam performing to a sold-out stadium on One Direction's Where We Are Tour, with the lads performing to thousands of fans each night, delivering some of their biggest hits. Ben was amongst mourners at the funeral today, as he arrived with Harry Styles.
Mourners gathered to celebrate the life of Payne who was known for his music and also charity work. Over the course of his career, Liam used his platform to raise awareness of organisations such as The Trussell Trust, Once Upon A Time and most recently, Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Just hours before his death, Liam spent time donating to those needing medical help after coming across their GoFundMe pages. He donated a substantial sum to Jack, a 28-year-old cook who was out of work after being diagnosed with Stage 4 B Cell Lymphoma. Those attending his funeral were reminded of his kind nature and generosity.
The order of service for his memorial read: "Thank you for attending the service and thank you for all the kind messages received. Liam would like you to make a donation. In memory of Liam we'd like you to consider Great Ormond Street Hospital, " alongside a link to the foundations page.
The funeral came to a close at around 2pm, with mourners seen gathered outside the church in a moving display of grief. Former One Direction bandmates stood side-by-side as they comforted each other following the service, with Simon Cowell consoling friends and family.
The service had included special touches to honour Liam's memory, alongside more classic flower displays and candles. One such personal item on display was a floral design showing bowling pins being hit by a ball, arranged out of fresh flowers.
English (US) ·