Gloucestershire Fans Join Millions Mourning Liam Payne

One Direction fans devastated to find that Liam Payne had passed away.

Liam Payne, global pop artist and best known as member of One Direction passed away last night

Multiple news sources say that he was found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aries and that he reportedly fell from the third floor.

The news travelled quickly all the way from Argentina and within minutes of the first report, many UK media stations were giving updates.

The Telegraph reported that Payne was found by police at 5:04pm local time (9:04pm in UK) and less than an hour later social media was alight with mournful tributes to the pop star.

Most known for being a former member of One Direction, Payne made a name for himself releasing solo albums and songs since the breakup of the hit band in 2015. All over the internet people are sharing their favourite lyrics from his songs as well as other celebrities sharing memories with him and words of sympathy to Payne’s family.

In an official statement given by a spokeswoman, Liam Payne’s family said, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

But, one of the largest groups of mourners will be the children that grew up listening to his songs. After ten years of the worldwide famous band, One Directions music was the soundtrack to a lot of teenagers’ childhood.

Liam Payne’s death at age 31 was a shock to many fans including, Grace Clifford, 18, from Gloucestershire.

“People my age grew up listening to One Direction, so it’s like a part of their childhood has died with him.”

For many, the loss of a celebrity idol is heart-wrenching. Despite not knowing them personally, fans connect with these people through their music – relating to the lyrics and appreciating their songwriting. This has always been the case and with the death of celebrities like David Bowie and George Michael, fans have always been pictured heartbroken in moments like this.

However, with teenagers now growing up in a world where the life of their favourite celebrity is just a click away, they feel they know them more personally. Meaning the loss can be harder to come to terms with.

Along with this, social media has been the catalyst for many rumours, with past fake news sources stating in previous years that Liam Payne had died. So, some fans like Grace, had their doubts at first, “My friend sent me a link to an article from the Daily Mirror saying he (Liam) had died. I didn’t believe it to begin with... but then I Googled it and there were other articles saying it was true.”

With his cause of death still not identified, questions have popped up in the media over whether Payne was bullied online during his last week alive. With many fans coming up to his defence following his death against trolls who left hate comments recently.

Realising how much of a commotion that the death of the singer was making online, the Prime Minister even released a statement today, giving his “sincere condolences” to Payne’s family and friends at this time.

For all Directioners, Liam Payne will live forever in their playlists.

If you have been affected by this news in any way, seek support from helplines such as Cruse Bereavement Care.

Phone: 0808 808 1677