Liam Payne’s Estate Finalized Months After Tragic Death

Seven months following the untimely death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction heartthrob, details surrounding his multimillion-dollar estate are being finalized. The responsibility of managing Payne’s assets has been entrusted to his former partner, British pop sensation Cheryl, and seasoned entertainment lawyer Richard Bray. This information has been widely reported by reputable publications such as People magazine and Rolling Stone.

Payne, who rose to global fame as part of the boy band sensation One Direction, tragically passed away at the age of 31 after an accidental fall from a hotel balcony. Reports indicate that Payne did not have a will in place at the time of his death, making the administration of his estate a complex process.

Cheryl, Payne’s former girlfriend, shared a relationship with the singer from 2016 to 2018. Their union resulted in the birth of their son, Bear, who is currently eight years old. As a co-administrator of the estate, Cheryl will play a crucial role in safeguarding her son’s interests and ensuring the proper management of Payne’s assets.

Richard Bray, the other co-administrator, is a highly respected British attorney specializing in entertainment law. He is affiliated with the prestigious law firm Bray & Krais, which boasts an impressive client roster consisting of high-profile artists, performers, managers, record labels, publishers, and senior executives in the entertainment industry. Bray’s extensive experience in handling complex financial matters and legal intricacies within the entertainment world makes him an ideal choice to co-manage Payne’s estate.

Several media outlets, including USA TODAY, have reached out to representatives for Payne, Cheryl, and Bray for further comments on the estate’s finalization process.

Reports from People magazine and Rolling Stone estimate the gross value of Payne’s estate to be approximately $38 million. However, after deducting all outstanding debts, taxes, and administrative expenses, the estate’s net value is estimated to be around $32 million.

According to the BBC, Cheryl and Bray will act as administrators of the estate, overseeing the management of its financial assets. However, they are currently operating under limited authority and are not yet permitted to distribute the estate’s assets. Under UK law, children of a deceased individual typically inherit the estate if there is no surviving spouse or civil partner. This suggests that Bear, Payne’s son, is likely to be the primary beneficiary of his father’s estate.

The circumstances surrounding Payne’s death remain a source of deep sorrow and speculation. He tragically passed away in October 2024 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires. Local authorities reported that Payne sustained "extremely serious injuries" from the fall and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Cheryl expressed the profound grief and devastation caused by Payne’s passing. She described his death as an "earth-shattering event," emphasizing that he was not only a pop star and celebrity but also a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, and, most importantly, a devoted father to their son, Bear.

The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutors Office No. 16 in Argentina released a press statement the day after Payne’s death, revealing that the cause of death was "polytrauma" and "internal and external hemorrhage." Investigators also indicated that hotel staff had contacted emergency services minutes before the incident, seeking assistance for a guest who was reportedly under the influence of drugs and alcohol and had caused damage to the hotel room.

Toxicology tests conducted after Payne’s death revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system within the 72 hours leading up to the tragedy.

A detailed report released by Argentina’s Public Prosecutors Office in February 2025 shed further light on Payne’s condition at the time of his death. The report indicated that his blood alcohol level was 2.7 grams per liter, or 0.27% BAC, which is considered dangerously high and significantly exceeds the legal limit in most parts of the United States.

The report also confirmed the presence of cocaine metabolites, including methylecgonine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, and the antidepressant medication sertraline, in his system.

Payne’s sudden and tragic death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left fans worldwide in mourning. His legacy as a talented singer and performer, as well as his personal struggles with addiction and mental health, have sparked important conversations about the pressures faced by young stars and the importance of seeking help when needed. The finalization of his estate marks a significant step in the aftermath of his passing, ensuring that his assets are managed responsibly and that his son, Bear, is provided for in the years to come.