Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy is opening up for the first time about the singer's final days leading up to his tragic death in October 2024.

In an interview with The Sun on Wednesday (February 5), the 25-year-old influencer said that "it still doesn't feel real" that the One Direction alum is gone, admitting that she thinks about her late boyfriend "every second of every day" and that she "genuinely believed we were soulmates," per Page Six. Payne passed away on October 16 at 31 years old after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while reportedly under the influence.

"He was the most humble, charming, normal person you could ever hope to come across, and genuinely one of the best people I've ever met in my life," she said, adding, "I'm trying to be the best I can be, but I feel like my life has changed so much."

In the weeks before his death, Cassidy had been on vacation with the "Strip that Down" singer in Buenos Aires but she left him early to go back to Florida because she "had a responsibility" to take care of their dog Nala.

"We had our dog and obviously I never, ever thought this event would occur..." she said. "Obviously if I knew, if I could see into the future, I would never have left Argentina."

She also shut down claims that the couple had broken up and that's why she left, stating that they each had their "own separate lives" and had traveled separately in the past. She also added that her boyfriend was "in such a good headspace" when she left and they "were in such a great place ... full of love."

Cassidy also revealed that she first learned of the "tragic accident" that claimed Payne's life through one of his friends who called her as she was at their home with their dog, adding that she feels "blessed" not to have learned of the sad news on social media. Even then, she still "blacked out in my head" and was in disbelief before reality set in.

"Instantly I just had a bad feeling in my gut," she said. "When I officially found the news out to be true, I felt numb. I tried to call him. I called pretty much everybody."

Cassidy also shared a message about the interview on her Instagram Story on Wednesday.

"The past few months have been truly heartbreaking. I keep hoping I'll wake up and this was all just a bad dream. Most days I feel numb and broke. The weight of it all feels unbearable."

She also explained why she decided to speak out about Payne's last days now, months after his death, hoping to provide answers to his fans "seeking clarity during this devastating time" and "share an insight into the relationship with the love of my life."

"This is my first ever interview while I navigate the pain of losing Liam, so please bear with me as I share my experience, which I hope will be received with compassion and understanding," she wrote. "Thank you so much for your kindness and support. It means more than I can put into words."

Nina Chantele