Nearly two years after Liam Payne’s tragic death, new details about the late singer’s estate have emerged. According to court documents obtained by TMZ and reported by multiple outlets, Payne’s 9-year-old son Bear has been named the sole beneficiary of his estate, which is reportedly worth nearly $28 million. Bear, whom Payne shared with ex-partner Cheryl Cole, will inherit the singer’s fortune after Payne died without leaving a will. Because there was no legal will in place, Cheryl and music industry lawyer Richard Bray have reportedly been appointed as administrators of the estate. Their role is to oversee and preserve the assets until they can be properly distributed.
Reports indicate that while some funds may be made available for Bear’s immediate needs, the majority of the estate will be held in trust until he reaches adulthood. The arrangement ensures that the young boy remains financially protected while the estate is managed on his behalf.
The development comes nearly two years after Payne’s shocking death in October 2024. The former One Direction star died after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31 years old.
Investigators later revealed that Payne suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including a fractured skull and severe internal and external bleeding. Toxicology reports also found that the singer had a blood-alcohol level significantly above the legal limit and had multiple substances in his system at the time of his death.
The legal proceedings surrounding Payne’s death have continued in the months since the tragedy. Earlier in 2025, charges against Payne’s friend Rogelio “Roger” Nores and two hotel employees were dismissed. However, two men accused of supplying cocaine to the singer, Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz, are still awaiting trial in Argentina.
Throughout his life, Payne often spoke about his love for Bear, who was born in 2017 during his relationship with Cheryl. While the former couple ended their romance in 2018, they remained committed to co-parenting their son. Payne frequently shared heartfelt comments about fatherhood in interviews and described becoming a parent as one of the most important experiences of his life.
The latest estate update ensures that Bear will remain the primary beneficiary of the success Payne built throughout his career, from his global rise with One Direction to his years as a solo artist. While the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death remain heartbreaking for fans, many have found comfort in knowing that his son will be financially secure in the years ahead.