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Following Liam Payne's tragic death in October last year, it has been revealed that the former One Direction star left behind an estate valued at £24.3 million — and no will. The singer, originally from Wolverhampton, died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. His fortune, initially reported at £28.6 million, was reduced due to debts and expenses.
Despite his untimely passing without a legal will in place, court documents show that power of administration over his estate has been granted to his former partner, Cheryl Tweedy. The two welcomed a son, Bear, in 2017 before parting ways the following year. Cheryl's appointment suggests their eight-year-old son will be the primary beneficiary.
In an emotional tribute following his death, Cheryl said: "As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being." She added: "Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again."
Cheryl also expressed concern over media coverage: "What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future."
While no will was left, close friends of Liam Payne previously suggested he had taken steps to ensure Bear would be cared for. An insider told The Daily Mail: "Liam had some very sensible people around him for a time and he adored Bear so much. He always wanted to do the right thing by him financially."
Meanwhile, Kate Cassidy, Payne's girlfriend at the time of his death, broke her silence on social media shortly after news broke that she would inherit nothing. She posted an image on Instagram showing a Starbucks sandwich and hair extensions in her handbag, captioned: "What's in your purse??? Mine: starbucks and @glamseamless."
Cassidy had previously shared that the couple had planned to marry. However, as Cheryl holds power over the estate, Cassidy is not expected to receive any share of Payne's multimillion-pound legacy.
