Liam Payne's final journey: fans track singer's return flight as his body arrives in the UK

The body of Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, was flown back to the UK this morning, following his untimely death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31. Payne, who had been visiting Argentina on holiday, tragically passed away last month after reportedly falling from a hotel’s third floor. His father, Geoff Payne, traveled to Argentina to arrange his son’s repatriation and returned with the singer’s body, which arrived at London Heathrow Airport early Thursday morning. The flight carrying Payne’s body became the most tracked plane in the world as fans monitored its journey, a testament to his enduring impact on fans worldwide.

In a statement to La Nacion, Buenos Aires prosecutor Andrés Madrea confirmed that Payne’s body was cleared for repatriation after local authorities conducted toxicology and laboratory tests. The delay in his body’s return was attributed to the ongoing investigation surrounding the singer’s death, which has prompted an examination of his personal effects and involved questioning hotel staff, according to the publication.

As Payne's body arrived in the UK, mourners began gathering at St. Peter’s Collegiate Church in his hometown of Wolverhampton, leaving flowers and handwritten tributes at the Lady Wulfrun statue. A source close to the family told MailOnline that a “big send-off” is being organized to honor Payne’s memory, adding that the funeral will include “a series of song tributes” reflecting Payne’s love for music. While official details of the service remain private, fans across social media have urged others to respect the family's request for privacy during this period of mourning.