Liam Payne’s friend reveals ‘extreme lengths’ he went to for her wedding and final meeting weeks before his death
LIAM Payne’s friend has revealed the ‘extreme lengths’ he went to for her wedding in the weeks before his death.
Singer Liam passed away, aged 31, last Wednesday after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He left an outpouring of grief and tributes in his wake – with one close friend, Madison Donnan, sharing the story of his kindness on her big day.
In August, Madison married businessman Matthew Kenner in a lavish Paris ceremony.
Despite being in an undisclosed, distant location, Liam caught a last-minute flight to be by her side, the influence revealed in an Instagram tribute.
She wrote, “We are still in disbelief that we lost our dear friend Liam. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and most importantly, a cherished friend whose spirit lit up every room he entered.
“His infectious laughter and genuine interest left a lasting impression on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Recalling the ceremony, she noted that Liam waited at the end of the aisle to be the first to congratulate the newlyweds.
Madison added: “Today, as we honor Liam’s memory, let us not only celebrate his artistry but also the profound impact he had as a friend.
“Liam left filming to catch a red eye and make it to our wedding. He waited at the end of the aisle to be the first to congratulate us.”
Madison expressed condolences to Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, his family, and friends, sharing, “It was impossible not to love him. To his girlfriend Kate, his family and friends, may you find solace in the cherished moments shared with Liam.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who brought so much joy into our lives.”
It comes as an online petition to protect stars’ mental health in the wake of Liam’s death has gained more than 100,000 signatures.
The campaign for a Liam’s Law can now be debated in the Commons.
The petition calls on the entertainment industry to provide more support for its stars, including adequate rest periods and regular mental health check-ups.
It adds: “The increasing rate of musicians who die before age 35, is concerning.
“We need to act now!”
Liam, 31, fell from a hotel balcony in Argentina last week.
The One Direction singer, who raised millions for charity, had been open about his mental health and battles with alcohol and substance abuse.
His family’s MP, Tory Mike Wood, said: “Liam’s passing is yet another reminder that anybody can suffer from poor mental health, no matter how famous or successful.
“If other families can be spared grief because the industry becomes more aware of the need to support artists then I hope it might bring some comfort.”
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport headed by Lisa Nandy, said: “We are very open to discussions, if and when raised, on how artists’ mental health can be better safeguarded.
“The Government is committed to recruiting 8,500 mental health workers to provide faster treatment.”
Liam’s dad, Geoff, is in Argentina and faces a wait to fly his son’s body home.
A source said: “He is living every parent’s worst nightmare.
“I know he has been so moved by the outpouring of love and the tributes from across the world.”
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.