Liam Payne‘s family and friends gathered for his funeral today, after the former One Direction star died on October 16, aged just 31.
The star tragically passed away after he fatally fell from the third floor balcony of his hotel room in Argentina, as an autopsy revealed that he suffered internal and external bleeding as a result of the fall.
The singer’s family went above and beyond to ensure the service was the perfect tribute to the star. The service integrated special touches to honour Liam’s hobbies and showcase what was most important to him.
There was a floral display showing a series of bowling pins being hit by a ball, on show to mourners as the entered the Buckinghamshire Church.
Whilst it may seem out of place on the solemn day, the piece lovingly calls back to Liam’s love of bowling, reports the Mirror.
The singer spent his 31st birthday bowling with his family on August 29, just weeks prior to his tragic passing in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“Liam was with his mum in Manchester where they celebrated his birthday with family. They were still incredibly close and enjoyed spending time together bowling. Liam’s family stayed with him for a few days at the Stock Exchange Hotel,” a source told the Daily Mail, adding, “It’s tragic to think that ended up being the last time they would celebrate his special day with him.”
His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy shared a TikTok a short time before his death of the couple bowling, jokingly toying with him for the love of the game.
In the video that was shared on October 3, she filmed a montage of a day out with Liam at the bowling alley, the couple seemed loved up and happy as they took turns in the lanes.
She captioned the clip: “He drags me to bowling at least four times a week.”
“The joy that bowling brought him even though he was so bad at it… I miss him so so much,” one admirer wrote on the video, referring to Kate’s win at the end of the game.
There were subtle nods to one of his other passions on display throughout the funeral. Many of the cars bringing guests to the church had Batman stickers on the front windshields.
Liam’s love for Batman was well-documented, with One Direction fans saying the star was “obsessed” with the DC superhero. He reportedly had a life-size cutout of the crimefighter in his room at one point, and shared a selfie on social media of himself wearing a Batman hat back in 2013.
Alongside the photo, he wrote: “For those who you who have doubted me and now turn to hate I’d like to say one thing… I am Batman.”
Liam celebrated one of his birthday with a Batman themed cake, and owned a very realistic Batman costume, which he wore to multiple Halloween parties from 2012 to 2019.
Beyond the nods towards Liam’s interests and past times, his hearse showed what was most important to the late singer.
On top of the hearse were two flower arrangements leading against each side of the coffin in red and blue. One read “SON” whilst the other displayed “DADDY.”
Liam is father to seven-year-old Bear Payne, shared with his ex-partner Cheryl Cole. Cheryl praised Liam as a great father after his death, whilst the star openly spoke about his devotion to his young son.
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