EXCLUSIVEHow Damian Hurley has been a pillar of support to friend Kate Cassidy as he accompanies the influencer at Liam Payne's funeral
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Damian Hurley has proven to be a pillar of support for Kate Cassidy as she grieves the loss of her boyfriend Liam Payne.
Liam died aged 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.
After his tragic death, Damian - who is believed to have become friends with Kate through social media - publicly sent his love to the influencer with a sweet post.
Alongside a black and white photograph of himself and Liam hugging, he penned: 'One of the sweetest men I’ve ever met. a devastating loss.
'Thinking of and sending love to Liam’s family, especially my beautiful friend @kateecass ❤︎'.
Damian, who has been showing his support for Kate by liking and commenting on her Instagram posts, then assured he was by her side for the funeral service at St Mary's Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire on Wednesday.
Damian Hurley has proven to be a pillar of support for Kate Cassidy as she grieves the loss of her boyfriend Liam Payne, supporting her at the funeral on Wednesday
Kate, dressed in a long black coat with fur trim and wearing sunglasses, looked sombre as she walked into the church alongside her friend.
She stopped to look at a large floral tribute of five white ten pin bowls at the entrance to the church, having previously spoken about how ten pin bowling was one of Liam's favourite sports and he would go four times a week.
Damian - who is the son of Elizabeth Hurley - stayed close to Kate on the day.
Kate had been with Payne in Argentina before leaving to return to her home in Miami, Florida. She later paid tribute, saying they had planned to marry.
She and Liam had originally flown to Buenos Aires to watch his former bandmate Horan's concert on October 4, but he remained in the country after his girlfriend flew home on October 14.
Following his death, she wrote an emotional tribute on Instagram saying: 'Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way.
'I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.'
'Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.'
After Liam's tragic death, Damian - who is believed to have become friends with Kate through social media - publicly sent his love to the influencer with a sweet post
Alongside a black and white photograph of himself and Liam hugging, he penned: 'One of the sweetest men I’ve ever met. a devastating loss'
Damian and Kate have a playful relationship and often post funny comments for each other like above, and show their support for one another online
Kate and Liam first started dating in October 2022, and made their red carpet debut at the Fashion Awards later that year.
The pair then put an end to split rumours by enjoying a date in London in June last year, and later that year she supported him when he was rushed to hospital with a 'serious kidney infection'.
After his death, Kate called Liam her 'best friend, the love of my life', and spoke lovingly of his 'contagious' energy, as she said that she is struggling to 'figure out how to live' without him.
She explained the pair had written messages to each other as they dreamt of their future together - writing notes that they were manifesting, which is the idea that through the power of belief we can effectively 'think' a goal into becoming reality.
His, which he asked her not to open, pledged his hope that they would marry within the year and be 'together forever'. It is not yet clear whether she opened this note before or after his death.
Kate and Liam first started dating in October 2022. After his death, Kate called Liam her 'best friend, the love of my life', and spoke lovingly of his 'contagious' energy
