Liam Payne of One Direction dies without a will; Cheryl Named administrator of Dh111.8 million ($30.4 million) estate

Dubai: One Direction star Liam Payne left behind a Dh111.8 million ($30.4 million) estate and no will, according to newly released court documents. The singer tragically died at age 31 in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cheryl named administrator of Liam Payne’s Estate

Payne’s former partner, British pop star Cheryl, has been appointed as one of the legal administrators of his estate. The couple share an 8-year-old son, Bear. As per UK intestacy laws, children are primary beneficiaries if there is no surviving spouse. Cheryl, 41, is now responsible for overseeing the management of Payne’s assets, including money, property, and personal possessions. Prominent entertainment lawyer Richard Mark Bray, a partner at Bray & Krais, has also been named co-administrator.

Liam Payne’s net Worth and estate details

The gross value of Liam Payne’s estate is estimated at Dh131.6 million ($35.8 million), with a net value of Dh111.8 million ($30.4 million) after deductions, according to the Letters of Administration.

How did Liam Payne die?

On October 16, 2024, Payne fell from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel. A postmortem examination confirmed the cause of death as “polytrauma” — multiple traumatic injuries leading to internal and external bleeding.

Toxicology reports showed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system. His blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit in most countries.

Legal developments: Drug supply charges still ongoing

Initial manslaughter charges against Payne’s friend Rogelio Nores and two hotel staff members were dropped in February 2025 following an appeal. However, two other hotel employees still face prosecution for allegedly supplying drugs to Payne — a serious charge in Argentina that carries up to 15 years in prison.

Liam Payne remembered at the Brit Awards

In March, Liam Payne was honored during the Brit Awards with a video montage showcasing his career — from his early days on The X Factor to his global fame with One Direction and moments with his family.

His girlfriend at the time, Kate Cassidy, shared an emotional post on Instagram, saying she is “still working on accepting” his sudden passing.