Liam Payne funeral date reportedly set almost one month after tragic death

A funeral for Liam Payne is set to take place in the coming days in his hometown, nearly a month after the One Direction star's tragic death. Payne, 31, died on October 16 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Argentina continues to investigate the circumstances of Liam's death, which is currently being treated as "an inconclusive death". An initial post-mortem examination indicated he died instantly from multiple traumas and "internal and external haemorrhage".

Due to the ongoing investigation, it was only this week that Liam's body was repatriated to the UK. The sad nature of Liam's passing has meant that his family and friends have been unable to hold a funeral until now.

Argentine police sources have confirmed that the singer's body was released to his bereaved family, who succeeded in bringing him back to England this Monday (November 4). A private ceremony to celebrate Liam's life is expected to be held on Friday in Wolverhampton.

His former One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan are likely to attend, reports the Mirror.

Cheryl Tweedy, mother to Liam's seven year old son Bear Payne, and Kate Cassidy, Liam's partner at the time of his passing, are also anticipated to be present in the Midlands for the service.

The final resting place for Liam's funeral remains undisclosed, but speculation is rife that it will be held at St. Peter's Collegiate Church in Wolverhampton.

This is where fans have been laying tributes, including poignant messages by the Lady Wulfrun statue, to honour the late singer.

In the wake of Liam's sudden death, One Direction supporters are pushing for a permanent memorial in his birthplace. Wolverhampton locals, not far from Birmingham, previously gathered for a candlelit vigil at St Peter's Collegiate Academy, where Liam attended school.

Now, they're advocating for a more enduring homage.

As of Tuesday, November 5, an online petition has attracted 4,654 signatures, calling on the council to erect a lasting monument in the West Midlands city. The campaign page reads: "The recent passing of Liam Payne has touched the hearts of many, not just the unbreakable community of One Direction fans, but people worldwide. As individuals who have been profoundly impacted by the loss of this amazing talent, we ask for a permanent structure or mural to be erected in Wolverhampton in his honour."

Liam first graced The X Factor stage in 2008 at the tender age of 14 with a rendition of Frank Sinatra's 'Fly Me To The Moon'. He returned two years later, at 16, and was placed into One Direction with Niall, Louis, Zayn, and Harry, catapulting them to global stardom as one of the world's most successful boybands.

The artist launched one solo album after the band's indefinite break in 2016 and hinted at new music being released shortly before his passing. He leaves behind his son, Bear Payne.