Before his reported death in Argentina, former One Direction star Liam Payne shared a cheerful Snapchat post. Observant netizens instantly picked up on his expression in what would be his final moments.

According to his now-deleted Snapchat post, which included photos and a video, Payne described his day as “lovely,” seemingly enjoying “Quality time” with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. However, despite the singer’s bright description, eagle-eyed social media users quickly noticed his appearance.

“He looked so sad in all of those pictures,” one concerned follower commented, while another wrote, “His eyes show sorrow and trouble. So sad and tragic loss 😢.” A third stated, “He doesn’t look happy to me he looks a bit down in the eyes so sad [sic].”

Payne also gave a glimpse of himself from a reflective angle. In one photo, he sits on a wooden chair, dressed in a gray shirt, light blue jeans, white sneakers, and a gray cap. The caption showed he was testing out a Forest Gump Halloween costume idea.

Another picture from Payne’s Snapchat showed him on the couch with someone with a small dog asleep on their lap. The image background showed large windows, a sculpture of a rider on a horse, and a painting of a tree.

Payne also shared the food they enjoyed during their trip to Argentina. Being on vacation, he revealed that he didn’t have to wake up early every day.

Additionally, Payne shared the desserts they enjoyed, including a layered chocolate pastry topped with whipped cream, a slice of pie with toasted meringue, and a small cake adorned with strawberries.

Although Payne’s posts appeared online recently, one user pointed out a timing discrepancy, “These are from a few days ago even if he posted them today because she flew back to the United States a few days ago.”

Following the user’s comment, it was revealed that Payne’s girlfriend had returned to Florida two days before his reported death. In a TikTok video Cassidy recounted her travel experience and decision to leave Argentina.

Cassidy said, “I was so ready to leave. Honestly, I loved South America, but I hate staying in one place for too long, and we’re supposed to be there like five days, turned into two weeks, and I was just like, ‘I need to go home.'”

In the video, Cassidy showed herself seated on the plane, revealing that her seat number was 1D. She also shared details about what she ate while waiting for her flight and during the journey.

Additionally, Cassidy mentioned purchasing a neck pillow for the trip, explaining that she usually travels with a Squishmallow but had given it to Payne before leaving.

Cassidy arrived in Florida at 6 a.m. and expressed relief at being back in the country. She captioned her post, “soooo happpiii to b back in sunshine state [sic].”

Fans reacted overwhelmingly to the news of Payne’s passing without Cassidy by his side. One user said, “It’s so awful 😢 seeing his snap stories and then this.”

Others expressed concern for Payne’s son, Bear, growing up fatherless, “So sad and heartbreaking and his poor son. Gone too soon,” while another echoed the sentiment, “His poor son 😢😢😢.”

Payne and his ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole welcomed their son Bear in March 2017. He happily announced the boy’s birth in a now-deleted Instagram post, “It’s a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life and my favourite memory I have so far.”

At the time, Payne shared that their son had already captured hearts. He also thanked the public for supporting him and Cole in their new chapter as parents.

Aside from sharing news of his son’s birth, Payne reflected on Bear’s growth. In a July 2023 YouTube video, he expressed pride in his son’s development, describing him as “awesome.”

He recalled a memorable moment when Bear texted him for the first time. Using his iPad, Bear sent the message, “Hello,” to which the doting dad playfully responded with “Ello.” Bear quickly corrected him, saying it should be spelled with an “H.”

He then marveled at how fast Bear was learning, “He’s far more smarter than I think I’ll ever be.” He added that watching his child grow was a fun and rewarding experience, calling him a “wonder.”

Now that Bear is without his father, fans expressed their sadness online. “So sad…prayers to his family and friends 😔 ♥”, a heartbroken supporter shared. Someone else added, “This breaks my heart 😢….. Rest In Heavenly Peace Liam 💔🕊️.”

Just months before his tragic passing, Payne shared new music with fans. On February 23, he announced his single “Teardrops,” released on March 1.

In a separate Instagram post, Payne shared that the song came from many tears, not all his own. “I hope you love it like I do and not too many of you can relate,” he shared.

Liam Payne’s final moments — enjoying desserts, sharing lighthearted posts, and reflecting on fatherhood and music — now hold deeper meaning as fans mourn, recalling the joy and vulnerability he showed in those times.