Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy 'felt like she was in hostage situation' in Argentina

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy felt trapped in a "hostage situation" while in Argentina, according to a friend. The 25-year-old influencer had gone to South America with the tragic former One Direction star to attend Niall Horan's concert in Buenos Aires and was initially set to stay for just four days, but ended up extending her trip to over two weeks.

While Liam was sorting out his US visa, Kate was eager to return home, but Liam's pleas led her to postpone her departure multiple times before she finally flew back to Florida. A friend disclosed to the New York Post: "She can't leave, or else who knows what will happen? And if she leaves, what will he do? But she has other responsibilities, other things that she's supposed to be doing. So she finally had to make a decision."

They continued: "They're in Argentina and it's like a hostage situation. So she tells him she wants to leave, this is after a week. He begs her to stay. She keeps extending her trip, a day, two days. And he just wants her to stay, stay, stay."

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The friend remarked: "I get what people are saying, that she should just stay with her rich, famous boyfriend, but she wanted to be home in her own bed with her dog. She wanted to come home. So eventually she says she's going home."

The update from her friend follows a report indicating former One Direction star Payne died from multiple traumas and "internal and external haemorrhage" after a fall from the third-floor balcony at Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires. Authorities discovered Payne deceased at the location last week; his remains were then moved to the judicial morgue, reports the Mirror.

In a post to Instagram on Wednesday, a week following the singer's death, Cassidy said: "I don't even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can't put into words. I wish you could see the huge impact you’ve had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now.

"You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone – millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved. You are – because I can't say were – my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did.

"Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into. None of this feels real, and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I’m struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side.

"Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things. Liam, you had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I've lost the best part of myself. I can't imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life."

Only weeks before his unexpected death, the couple were "manifesting our lives together", and she revealed a poignant note from Liam that she's kept "close".

The note poignantly reads: "Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged and together forever 444."

"Liam, I know we'll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned," Cassidy continued. "You'll always be with me. I've gained a guardian angel. I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go."

In light of her heartfelt post, Liam's admirers have since been expressing their gratitude towards Cassidy for being there for him. Her touching tribute elicited an outpouring of support from the online community.

One fan commented: "Thank you for keeping him safe for as long as you could. He loved you so deeply. I'm so sorry for yours and the world's loss," while another shared: "Thank you for making him happy the way you do, stay strong, lots of love."