Remembering One Direction singer and songwriter, Liam Payne

By Mylie Norton, Staff Writer

Liam Payne tragically passed away at age 31 on Oct. 16 while staying in a hotel located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The artist reportedly fell over the edge of his third floor hotel room balcony, onto the courtyard. Autopsies stated that Payne died from several injuries as well as internal and external bleeding.

Payne struggled with drug and alcohol abuse while rising to fame, and this led to his unfortunate death. Authorities found traces of pink cocaine in his system as well as substances around the hotel room. It was reported the artist had been struggling the day of his death. Payne was seen acting erratically in the hotel lobby and autopsies also explained he was partially unconscious prior to his fall due to the substance abuse.

Many fans are devastated by the loss of the iconic former boyband star. Payne was a member of the British boyband One Direction that dispersed in 2016. 

“Hearing about the passing of Liam is so upsetting. It’s taken over the internet and had such an impact on fans around the world,” said senior health and physical education major Samantha Dickerson. 

One Direction was popular among teens around the 2010 era. Their legacy has lived on and many hoped for a reunion of the band someday.

“I was really hoping to see a One Direction reunion someday, and now it may happen at Liam’s funeral,” said Dickerson. 

The band included members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomilson and Zayne Malik. The former members have taken to social media in response to their bandmates death. 

“I am absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure,” wrote artist Niall Horan on Instagram.

Fans have gathered in Argentina at The Casa Sur where Payne’s body was located. Paying their respects, fans have left flowers, posters, and photos to create a shrine honoring Payne. The death of a young influential artist has had a deep impact on Gen-Z because many grew up listening and following One Direction. 

Freshman education major Mary Ford shared her thoughts on Payne’s passing.

“It was a big part of my childhood listening to One Direction, it was something my sister and I bonded over for most of our lives so it has been  devastating hearing about his [Payne] death,” Ford said.

Many news articles were quick to report on the death of the star, some even releasing images of the body. Photos found on TMZ showed Payne’s tattooed arm, so fans knew it was him. Fans and supporters were quick to respond to news outlets releasing this evidence stating it was offensive and inappropriate. 

“I saw a picture of his arm but it was honestly disturbing and I don’t think that should be released, especially for the privacy of him and his family,” Ford said. 

This case has been eye-opening to the music industry and world. Liam Payne was an iconic boy band star that struggled with substance abuse due to the pressures of being a pop sensation. The issues around this tragedy have raised awareness for celebrities and their mental health. 

“I think mental health should definitely be talked about more in the music industry. These celebrities are exposed to so much when they are so young and being in such a big spotlight, it can damage their health physically and emotionally. His [Payne] legacy will hopefully carry on through the other members of the band [One Direction] and his music is here forever which I hope everyone will celebrate him through,” Ford said.