A close friend of Liam Payne disclosed the final messages the singer sent her before his death on Wednesday. Jodie Richards, who taught the former One Direction star at Pink Productions in Wolverhampton, initially thought the news of his death from a balcony fall in Buenos Aires was fake. She attempted to contact him on Wednesday night.
Liam, 31, had messaged Jodie on Monday, asking what she was doing. She replied that she was at the gym with her son, Jackson, and Liam responded with “nice.” He later sent a photo of himself in his hotel room with his hand on his forehead. Jodie replied, “Sorry just home x.”
Jodie expressed her close bond with Liam, stating they communicated almost daily despite the distance. She noted that he often checked in to see how she was doing.
‘He walked through the door, he was 12 years old, just a boy – a cheeky chappy, that didn’t stop smiling.’
Jodie Richards, taught @LiamPayne performing arts once a week, as part of a group that practiced in a church hall in his home city of Wolverhampton.
They went on to… pic.twitter.com/JZoIDEtZIc
— Charlie Frost (@frostreports) October 17, 2024
On Wednesday, Liam messaged Jodie early in the morning UK time to ask if she was awake. She replied at 8.20am, asking if he was okay, to which he responded, “yeah.” She informed him she was at work, and he mentioned he was “chilling” in Argentina. Jodie said nothing seemed unusual; he appeared happy and healthy.
Jodie mentioned that Liam always seemed to be in more glamorous locations and that she often had to consider the time difference when communicating with him. She was shocked when she heard the news of his death, initially thinking it was a hoax. When she couldn’t reach him by phone or text, she realised the tragic news was true.
La conversación de una empleada del Hotel de Palermo tras la muerte de Liam Payne, el Musico de 31 años
Ex miembro de One Direction pic.twitter.com/7JQUS1oNQa— 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟 fan (@AngeldeBrit_ok) October 16, 2024
Jodie described Liam’s death as a “wicked waste of a life,” highlighting the love he received from family, friends, and fans worldwide. She noted his supportive family, including his mum, dad, two sisters, and girlfriend, and mentioned he had many people to reach out to.
Despite the tragedy, Jodie remembered Liam as a “cheeky chappy” who made everyone laugh. She encouraged people to remember his legacy, including his contributions through X Factor and his charity work.
For emotional support, individuals can contact Samaritans in the UK at 116 123 or email [email protected]. In the US, they can call 1 (800) 273-TALK.
What Other Media Are Saying
- MEAWW reports that a close friend of Liam Payne disclosed he looked happy before his death, despite the tragic circumstances of his fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What were Liam Payne’s final messages to his friend?
He asked if she was awake and mentioned he was ‘chilling’ in Argentina.
How did Jodie Richards react to the news of Liam Payne’s death?
She initially thought it was fake and was shocked when she couldn’t reach him.
What did Jodie say about her relationship with Liam Payne?
She mentioned they communicated almost daily and he often checked in on her.
How did Jodie describe Liam Payne’s personality?
She remembered him as a ‘cheeky chappy’ who made everyone laugh.
Where can people seek emotional support?
In the UK, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected]; in the US, call 1 (800) 273-TALK.