Fans of Liam Payne consoled each other while assembling to honour him at a memorial in Hyde Park, London.
On Sunday, numerous individuals congregated around the Peter Pan statue in the park. A multitude of individuals were observed weeping and embracing one another, while others placed messages and flowers.
Vigils were held in Glasgow and Paris, following those in Liverpool, New York, Paris, and Madrid over the weekend.
Payne, 31, succumbed to several injuries sustained after a fall from his third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday.
Lauren, 26, from Kent, characterised the experience as “reassuring to be with others… because these individuals understand, whereas at home, one feels isolated and it is quite challenging, trapped in one’s own thoughts, and here, one can discuss it.”
She asserted that Payne’s death was more catastrophic than the demise of popstar Tom Parker from The Wanted, since she felt “prepared for it” after his brain cancer diagnosis.
Tess Hayden, 24, hailing from the United States, was vacationing in Dublin at the time of Payne’s demise. She opted to truncate her voyage and travel to London with the intention of attending a vigil.
She recounted the circumstances: “My elder brother and I had been organising a trip to Dublin for some time, and I anticipated visiting London at the conclusion of the journey. However, upon awakening and receiving the news, I resolved to depart a day earlier and attempt to navigate the situation.”
Ms. Hayden described the experience as “extremely surreal, sorrowful, catastrophic, and astonishing.”.
“Liam and One Direction were a significant aspect of my childhood and adolescence,” she stated.
Natasha Bradley, 23, who attended the event, expressed, “I have been profoundly saddened since the news was announced; I simply could not accept it.”
‘I experience pain throughout my entire body.’
‘Directioners’ journeyed to Buenos Aires to honour Payne outside the Casa Sur hotel immediately upon the announcement of his death.
Geoff Payne, his father, arrived on Friday to facilitate the repatriation of his son’s remains and took a moment to see the flowers and mementos left by admirers.
Sisters Selena, 21, and Augustina, 25, stated this after a three-hour flight from La Plata to the hotel.
One Direction’s visit to Argentina in 2014 was exhilarating. Selena elucidated that they attended the event and were situated in the VIP section, allowing them to be in close proximity to the performers.
It seems as though it occurred yesterday, and now that Liam is absent, I am engulfed in anguish throughout my entire being.
“He was an exceptional individual.” When his father arrived to inspect the messages around the tree, we shielded him from the cameras out of concern for Liam and his family.
Rocio Hipperdingar originated from La Plata.
“Initially, I was incredulous about the occurrence. ‘I have been a One Direction enthusiast since the age of 13, and I am now 24,’ she articulated.”
I devoted numerous years to contemplating them and engaging with their music, which served as a source of solace during challenging periods. Upon learning of his death, I thought it to be misinformation. I intended to visit the hotel to reminisce about the wonderful experiences I had with their music.
She expressed that she feels as though she has “lost a friend.”
Aelen Urguesta, 24, a fan from Buenos Aires, was also in attendance. She stated, “I am 24 and have been enamoured with Liam since I was 14.”
“I observed him at Niall Horan’s concert in Buenos Aires the week prior to his demise, and it was delightful to witness their camaraderie.”
“The most tragic aspect is that he perished here, away from his family.” Liam was an integral member of One Direction; hence, his demise is profoundly tragic. I am unable to articulate my feelings due to my heightened emotional state.
Payne’s former bandmates have honoured him, with Zayn Malik deferring his US tour dates until January as a mark of respect.
Kate Cassidy, his fiancée, expressed that she is “at a loss” without her “angel,” while the mother of his kid, Cheryl, condemned the “abhorrent” news regarding his death.