By: Sam Mansolf | Staff Writer
Gasps rippled through campus as news broke of former One Direction band member Liam Payne’s tragic death. Liam was 31 years old when he tragically fell three stories from his hotel room balcony in Buenos Ares, Argentina. He leaves behind a family, his bandmates, and a son, Bear. All of whom have taken to social media to write about Liam’s character.
In addition, his sister has come out and stated that she found out about her brother’s death through social media. It is absolutely disgusting that a family member, and most likely anyone close to Liam, had to find out through TMZ. It is also sickening that images of Liam’s body were posted on the internet and taken down only after facing backlash from fans.
In recent toxicology reports, four different controlled substances were found in Liam’s system at the time of his death. However, police in Argentina have stated that his injuries indicate he was unconscious before he fell from the balcony, leaving some people speculating.
With recent news outlets focusing on the felonies facing Sean “Diddy” Combs and those connected to him, including Beyonce and Jay-Z, some have speculated that he did not fall but was rather pushed by someone working for the group. While there is no concrete evidence of any foul play, fans of Liam are grasping for any loose strings to create a story.
Liam Payne was adored by many after he was selected to be put into a band with Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik on the hit show X Factor. The group quickly gained traction and produced five albums throughout their six-year run. The members then went on to do solo projects after separating in 2016. Since the group announced their hiatus, they have not been seen in the same place at the same time. Many fans have taken to social media to note that the band will have a reunion not on stage but at the funeral of one of their own.
As a One Direction fan then and now, among many other young women, I have found the death of Liam to be shocking, heart wrenching and incomprehensible. During Covid, I reverted to my ten-year-old self, listening to their music and watching their live streams to pass time. I even met a great friend online who I could share my love for the band with. We are still friends and speak everyday. One Direction not only gave me an unforgettable childhood but a lifelong friendship which was formed by our love for the band and the boredom of the Covid pandemic.
Photos from WikiCommons.
