Nearly one year after the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, his older sister, Nicola Payne, shared a deeply emotional tribute on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Reflecting on their final moments together, Nicola offered a poignant glimpse into the joy and hope they shared during Liam’s last birthday celebration, a memory now tinged with profound loss.
On August 29, 2025, Nicola took to Instagram to honor her brother, who passed away on October 16, 2024, after a fatal fall from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “A year ago today, we were so full of hope and excitement for what the years ahead would bring you,” Nicola wrote, recalling their time together on Liam’s 31st birthday. “That night, celebrating your birthday with bowling and McDonald’s, we celebrated you, your show, your dreams, and spoke of all the plans you had for the future. We ended the evening with a hug, telling you how proud we were and how much we loved you.”
Nicola, 37, expressed her lingering regret, writing, “If I had known that would be the last time I’d see you, I would have said so much more. I wish I could step into a time machine and relive that night, hug you tighter, capture your smile and voice, ask more questions and write it all down so I’d never forget.” Her message concluded with a heartfelt wish for her brother’s peace: “So today, on your birthday, I want to wish you the happiest heavenly birthday. Wherever you are, I hope you’re celebrating and hopefully you’ve scored a few strikes too.”
Liam’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, also marked the occasion with a moving tribute, sharing her grief over not being able to celebrate with him in person. “My dearest Liam, it breaks my heart being that I can’t hand you a physical birthday card today,” Cassidy wrote on Instagram. “That I can’t hear your laugh, or tell you all the things I wish I’d said a thousand more times. I’ve been struggling to find the right words, but I’ll start with the most obvious, happy birthday.” The 26-year-old influencer, who dated Liam from 2022 until his death, added, “Today, you would have been 32. In your 31 years here on this earth you brought so much joy, happiness and hope to so many—especially to me. I hope you know how brightly you still shine, even from up there.”
Cassidy’s tribute extended to a promise of resilience: “I promise you I will celebrate you extra today, honor your life, and cherish the beautiful times we’ve had. August 29th will be a date that sits in my heart for the rest of my life. I love you so much.” She also shared a touching TikTok video, set to Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” showing her baking a cake for Liam’s birthday and lighting a single candle in his honor, a moment that left her in tears as she shared a piece with their rescue dog, Nala.
Liam Payne, who rose to global fame as a member of One Direction, died at 31, leaving behind his young son, Bear, whom he shared with ex Cheryl Cole. Toxicology reports revealed that Liam had cocaine, alcohol, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his fall, with an improvised aluminum pipe found in his hotel room. While Argentine authorities ruled out foul play, the circumstances of his death remain under investigation, with two individuals still facing charges for supplying narcotics.
The outpouring of love for Liam extended beyond his family. His former One Direction bandmates—Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson—issued a joint statement expressing their devastation: “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.” Tributes also came from collaborators like *NSYNC’s JC Chasez, who worked with Liam on his final single “Teardrops,” and 5 Seconds of Summer, who described him as “always so kind.”
Nicola’s and Cassidy’s tributes underscore the profound impact Liam had on those closest to him and his millions of fans worldwide. As the world remembers the “Strip That Down” singer, August 29th remains a bittersweet date, a celebration of his life and a reminder of the light he brought to so many.
