In a shocking twist following the tragic death of Liam Payne, his ex-partner Cheryl has been appointed to manage his estate, valued at approximately $32.2 million, after he passed away without a will. Court documents reveal that the former One Direction star’s estate will be overseen by Cheryl, the mother of his 8-year-old son Bear, alongside music industry attorney Richard Mark Bray. However, their powers are limited, as they cannot distribute any funds until a General Grant is established.

Payne, 31, died in October after a harrowing fall from a third-story hotel balcony in Argentina. Investigators have determined the cause of death to be multiple traumatic injuries coupled with internal and external hemorrhaging. A toxicology report indicated the presence of drugs in his system at the time of the incident, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

At the time of his passing, Payne was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy, who expressed disbelief over the tragic turn of events. “Liam was in such a good headspace when I left Argentina. We were in such a great place,” she said, reflecting on his happiness just days before the fatal fall.

Cheryl, who dated Liam from 2016 to 2018, shared her grief on social media, urging the public to respect the dignity of the deceased. “As I navigate this earth-shattering event, please remember we have lost a human being,” she implored, condemning the media’s relentless pursuit of sensational stories in the wake of tragedy.

As this heart-wrenching saga unfolds, the world watches closely, grappling with the loss of a beloved artist and the implications of his untimely death.