LONDON (AP) — A wave of sorrow swept across the globe this weekend as fans gathered in various cities to honor Liam Payne, the beloved singer of One Direction, who tragically passed away earlier this week. He died on Wednesday after a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, at the age of 31.
A heartfelt vigil took place in London’s Kensington Gardens, where hundreds congregated near a statue of Peter Pan, the timeless character created by J.M. Barrie. Many mourners, mostly young women, sang songs and clapped as they left tributes, including heart-shaped balloons, photographs, and flowers at the base of the statue, which is positioned alongside The Long Water, a picturesque waterway.
Due to the size of the crowd, organizers encouraged fans to place their tributes and then step aside to allow others a chance to approach the statue. Among those who participated were fans Lauren Anderson and Natasha Bradley, both 23, who sought solace in the community sharing their grief. Bradley expressed, “Your parents don’t really understand how much (One Direction) really meant to you growing up,” highlighting the band’s profound impact on their lives.
Similar vigils were held worldwide, including mourners in cities like Glasgow, Paris, Sydney, and New York, where fans left messages of love and remembrance. In Paris’ Tuileries Gardens, around 400 fans gathered, many in tears, honoring Payne with flowers, photos, and candles. The attendees sang songs and shared their memories, creating a sense of camaraderie during this difficult time. Emilie Houdinet, 26, who has been a fan since 2011, shared that the band played a significant role during her formative years, stating, “They were a bit like dads to us.”
Vigils also occurred outside the Casa Sur Hotel in Argentina’s upscale Palermo neighborhood, where emotions ran high following the tragic incident. The remaining members of One Direction released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss of their bandmate, underscoring the strong bonds formed during their years together.
One Direction catapulted to global fame shortly after their formation in 2010, stemming from five talented individuals who auditioned for the British TV show, X Factor. The band enjoyed immense success, achieving sales of over 70 million copies across five albums before their breakup in 2016.
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Associated Press writer John Leicester in Paris contributed to this report.
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