By Dalya Eichler, Photographer and Staff Writer
Liam Payne is a name that almost every teenage or young girl will recognize, as he was a figure who had a major impact on the music world. On October 16, 2024, Liam James Payne, a 31 year old singer, songwriter and father, fatally fell from his hotel room balcony in Argentina. Payne was born in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, to parents Geoff and Karen. From a young age, Payne was heavily involved in sports, and only switched career paths when he did not receive a spot in the England schools team.
Known widely for being in the band One Direction, Payne got his start on The X-Factor in 2010 when judge Simon Cowell put him and four other contestants together, creating one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. During his time in the band, Liam helped write some of the group’s biggest hits, such as, “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” The band took an indefinite hiatus in 2016, but since then, Liam continued to pursue his music career.
Liam released his first solo, “Strip That Down” in 2017, and it made the top ten on The Billboard Hot 100. Payne shared that, during One Direction’s peak, he started dealing with drug addiction, and in 2023 had to cancel his first solo tour since he had been hospitalized with a kidney infection.
Having had a major impact on the childhoods of so many people around the world, the news of his sudden death was shocking for many. His fame emerged in a time where social media began to boom and because of it, he was well known in many different places. People all around the world mourned his death. Some traveled to the hotel where he fell in Argentina to leave flowers, candles and pictures forming a makeshift memorial.
Payne had once shared, “When I think about it, I do start to worry about this whole social media thing. It does make me uncomfortable; kids should be out, living their lives, getting out and enjoying themselves.” When a mega-star passes, it is important to bring awareness to the fact that although they were seen and revered online, their families and friends saw them as much more than that. Stars such as Payne are not only public figures but family and community members who have similar life experiences to others.
Payne’s body was flown back to his family in the United Kingdom. Geoff flew to Argentina and was seen at the memorial held there. He then proceeded to take his son’s body home. Payne was buried on Wednesday, November 20. Payne’s former One Direction bandmates, Simon Cowell, close friend James Cordan, and family members attended the funeral service in Amersham, England.
The family shared some words online, but have been trying to keep private. The other One Direction members shared heartfelt words regarding the sudden passing of their long time friend. A tweet from Payne in 2010 stating, “If I died would you come to my funeral…?” has resurfaced since his passing. Although the tweet was not directed to anyone in particular, fans shared it that day to show that after all this time, his bandmates were there for him.
Fans have been urging the public not to show up to the funeral of the former star, but rather, have been planning to host their own memorials all over the globe. They will use that time to grieve the loss of someone who played a pivotal role in so many people’s upbringing.
Photo Caption: Liam Payne
Photo Credit: MTV International / Wikimedia Commons