Liam Payne’s Father Returns to Emotional Fan Memorial with Heartfelt Tribute
Liam Payne’s grieving father, Geoff Payne, returned to the makeshift memorial outside the Hotel CasaSur Palermo in Buenos Aires, where fans have gathered to honour his late son. Liam, a former One Direction member, tragically passed away at the hotel last month, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans around the world.
During his visit, Geoff spent time reading the heartfelt messages and viewing the floral tributes that fans had left near a tree outside the hotel. He held a single red rose, which he gently placed at the memorial after reflecting on the tributes. Fans looked on as Geoff paid his respects, and he was later seen comforting two young fans who offered him a lit candle to place alongside the other memorial items. The tree has since become a touching shrine, adorned with messages and flowers in Liam’s memory.
Local reports indicate that Geoff is expected to return to the UK on Thursday, or potentially Friday, although the reason for the delay remains unconfirmed. His visit marks a deeply emotional journey, as Geoff flew nearly 7,000 miles from the UK following his son’s passing on October 16 to assist with the repatriation process. This recent visit was his second to the memorial, the first being two days after Liam’s tragic death.
Argentine prosecutors have not yet released the results of the toxicology and tissue tests that are required before Liam’s body can be returned to the UK. Geoff was briefed on the necessity of these tests during a meeting with local officials on October 21, as reported by the Mirror.
The sudden passing of Liam Payne, 31, has triggered a formal investigation, with authorities initially attributing the incident to a substance-induced “psychotic episode,” although they confirmed no third-party involvement. Nearly two weeks ago, police searched the boutique hotel, inspecting computers and other items in an effort to trace a potential drug supplier.
During his first visit to Buenos Aires, Geoff had the heartbreaking task of collecting Liam’s belongings from the hotel room where he stayed. Authorities permitted the retrieval of his possessions, confirming no further investigative need for them.
In the wake of Liam’s untimely death, his fans are rallying for a permanent tribute in his hometown of Wolverhampton, West Midlands. A petition has circulated, calling for a mural or structure to be erected in his honour. As the details of Liam’s funeral arrangements are awaited, a close source has hinted that “he will have a very big send-off,” potentially in a large cathedral close to his heart.