Liam Payne fans around the world pay tribute to One Direction star: Video
Fans gathered in cities across Britain and beyond on Sunday to mourn Liam Payne's death, with at least 1,000 people attending a vigil in central London.
The former One Direction star passed away at the age of 31 following a fall from a balcony in his Buenos Aires hotel room, sparking widespread grief and condolences from family, friends, and fans.
Investigators have suggested that Payne may have been experiencing a substance abuse episode at the time of his death. At the London memorial held at the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park, attendees were encouraged via social media to bring flowers, letters, balloons, and photographs, and they honoured his memory despite the rainy weather. Many sang One Direction songs and observed moments of silence.
Katie Etchells, a 20-year-old student wearing a One Direction t-shirt, expressed the sentiment shared by many: "He was such a big part of our childhood, we just came to pay our respects."
"I think he'll be happy to know that so many people love him," Luna Franco from Italy told AFP.
In Buenos Aires, where the tragedy occurred, fans have gathered at the Casa Sur Hotel, creating an altar adorned with flowers and messages in his memory. His father, Geoff Payne, visited the site on Friday and expressed gratitude to fans for their support.
An autopsy revealed that Payne died from "multiple traumas" and "internal and external haemorrhaging," indicating he may not have attempted to stop his fall and was likely in a state of unconsciousness at the time. Having openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and the pressures of fame, he was reportedly alone during the incident.
In London, fan Chelsea Willy, 20, captured the sombre mood: "It is just really sad. I've been a fan of him since I was very little," she said.
