Thousands gather at vigils in London & Wolverhampton to honour Liam Payne after he fell to his death from hotel balcony
THOUSANDS of heartbroken Liam Payne fans have gathered in his Wolverhampton hometown, London, France and Spain for vigils today.
The singer, 31, plunged 45 feet from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday at 5.04pm.
Flowers, letters and drawings were laid in Hyde Park this afternoon as hundreds of emotional One Direction fans gathered to pay their respects at the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens.
The heartbreaking event, which started at 2pm, was organised by loyal supporters “in memory of Liam” to “honour his shining spirit and unforgettable impact”.
One person said the crowds were “growing by the minute” and “fans will be waiting hours to lay down their tributes”.
A One Direction fan from the US ended her visit to Ireland’s capital so she could share her grief with hundreds of Liam Payne fans in Hyde Park today.
Tess Hayden, 24, who was on holiday with her brother in Dublin when she heard the news, told the PA news agency: “Well, my older brother and I had been planning a trip to Dublin for a while, and I knew I was gonna try and come to London at some point at the end of the trip, but when I woke up and heard the news, I was like, ‘okay, I’ll just go a day earlier (and) try and figure (it) out.”
Ms Hayden added that it was “very surreal” as a death at 31 is “very sad and devastating, and shocking”.
“It’s a reminder of what a huge part of my childhood and growing up, Liam and One Direction were,” she also said.
Fellow fans, Lauren Anderson and Natasha Bradley, both 23, also attended the London memorial.
Ms Bradley said it was “hard trying to get over it”.
She added: “I’ve literally been feeling so sad like ever since the news came on, I just didn’t believe that.”
The supporter also said “Lauren’s been the one that I’ve been speaking to the most about it”, and she wanted to be around people who were “feeling the same because your parents, they don’t really understand how much they really meant to you growing up”.
Directioners have also gathered in the singer’s hometown to leave touching tributes.
Bouquets and messages of support have been laid outside St. Peter’s collegiate church in Wolverhampton to remember the former One Direction singer.
Fans have also held tributes in France and Spain this afternoon.
Makeshift memorials were set up in the Tuilleries Garden, in Paris, France, today.
Hundreds gathered in front of candles, flowers and heartbreaking pictures of Liam in One Direction.
Supporters in Madrid also showed their love for the star and demonstrated how powerful his legacy is with their tributes.
Directioners broke down in tears and embraced each other at the memorial at Plaza de Santa Ana this afternoon.
Liam’s family said after his passing: “We are heartbroken.
“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space during this awful time.”
Liam’s loved ones made a desperate dash to South America late on Wednesday night just hours after learning the heartbreaking news.
Footage taken outside the Casa Sur hotel on Friday showed sombre father Geoff Payne bending down to read messages written to his son.
It comes as…
- Cheryl breaks her silence following Liam’s death
- Louis Tomlinson seen for first time
- Tragic messages prove Louis was ‘reaching out to Liam’
- Liam’s worried friends planned an intervention over his drink & drug use
- Cops reveal minute-by-minute breakdown of events before Liam’s death
- Liam’s phone key to solving death mystery – as cops hunt drug dealer
- One of the last people to see Liam alive reveals ‘disturbing’ behaviour
- Liam was ‘dropped by his record label’ days before he died
According to a source with the Buenos Aires City police, the pop star’s body has been returned to his family by the prosecutor looking into his untimely death.
They are currently finishing the necessary paperwork to have his body repatriated, the Buenos Aires Herald was told.
Champagne, prescription drugs, white powder and foil wraps were all found in Liam’s trashed hotel room after the fatal fall at around 5pm (9pm UK time).
Fellow hotel guests revealed the star had been acting in a “disturbing” manner shortly before his fall, with Liam admitting to one woman: “I used to be in a boy band – that’s why I’m so f**ked up.”
But Liam’s pals claim the singer was clean just days before his death.
Sources close to the star said he entered Argentina on September 30 with the aim of renewing his expired US visa.
They claim that when Liam spoke to US embassy officials, they queried his previous stints in rehab and said he needed to take a drug test to prove he was clean to renew his visa.
A source said: “The embassy said he needed to do a strict investigation including X-rays and a blood test to search for traces of drugs.
“He was completely clean the Thursday before he died.
“On the weekend at his friend’s ranch, he was completely sober.”
An insider said Liam was examined by a US Embassy-certified doctor and that he collected his results, which showed he was clean, on Tuesday.
The source said Liam’s good friend Roger last saw the star for ten minutes on Wednesday, and that he left the hotel at 3.30pm.
The insider said: “Roger told him, ‘I’ve got to run’ and Liam said, ‘Go do your own thing’. That was the last thing they said to each other.”
They added: “Roger is upset – at one point on Wednesday he was phoned by a hotel manager who said they had found Liam asleep on the floor of the elevator.
“They moved him to the sofa in the hotel lobby but the manager said he couldn’t stay there, and that he needed to go to his room.
“In the emergency call, they said they were worried Liam’s life was in danger because he was in a room with a balcony.
“Why didn’t they just let him stay sleeping in the lobby if they were worried about this?”
A pal of Roger told us: “Liam’s behaviour hadn’t been off at all – he was happy.”
It comes as another source claimed Liam “could have been saved” before he fell to his death if an ambulance had been called earlier.
They told the Mail: “If someone had called an ambulance when he collapsed in the hotel lobby instead of taking him back to his room and leaving him in there alone, in a psychotic state, he would still be with us.”
It comes as The Sun on Sunday revealed yesterday how the singer spent his final hours with two women.
The former One Direction star invited Aldana Serrano, 31, and Lucila Goitea, 27, to his hotel.
They arrived at Liam’s luxury suite in the swanky CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at around 11.30am on Wednesday, before leaving at 4pm.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
Liam, 31, was reportedly seen arguing with one woman over money in the hotel’s lobby.
A source said: “Aldana and Lucila are absolutely devastated by what happened after they left the hotel.
“They co-operated with the police as soon as they were contacted and wanted to help with the investigation as much as possible.
“Police have the girls’ phone numbers and they will contact them as and when they need if they feel they need any more information.”
In the hours before his death, dad-of one Liam had shared Snapchat posts detailing his plans to play polo and showing what he had for breakfast, despite it being 1pm.
Girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, could be heard saying they were “losers” for getting up so late.
Liam had also been filmed dancing and meeting fans at 1D pal Niall Horan’s concert on October 2 before a selfie of the reunited ex-bandmates was shared online.
TRAGIC DEATH
The star had arrived in Argentina on September 30 with Kate and was seen at Niall’s show dancing and meeting fans on October 2.
Liam and Kate were staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo when he died.
Crowds of fans gathered behind a cordon outside the accommodation last night.
Tributes have poured in for Liam with celebrities and fans alike sharing their heartbreak.
Former bandmate Harry’s mum shared a moving tribute to Liam on Instagram writing in the caption: “Just a boy…”.
While Liam’s ex-fiancée Maya Henry was ” in shock” in the wake of the tragic news.
Celebrity tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans have been flooding Liam Payne's last Instagram post with sad tributes after news of the singer's death broke.
Broadcaster Rylan Clark said RIP Liam: “Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young.”
Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
A spokesperson for the security ministry of Buenos Aires said police were called to the hotel by a worker about an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Witnesses at the hotel said Liam smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room in the erratic incident earlier in the day, TMZ reports.
Cops found Liam dead in the hotel’s inner courtyard at around 5pm local time (9pm UK time) when they arrived.
A red tent was put up over the body as cops began the investigation into the tragic death before the body was taken to the morgue.
The spokesperson for the local ambulance service said Liam’s death had been confirmed on the spot after he had fallen and suffered severe injuries.
A spokesman said: “The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur.
“At 5.11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead.
“There was no possibility of resuscitating him.”
Police will now carry out an autopsy on the body.
FAME
The singer first auditioned for the X Factor as a solo artist in 2008, aged just 14, but was eliminated.
Two years later he tried again and was included as part of boyband One Direction, formed by music mogul Simon Cowell especially for the ITV show.
After reaching the final stages of the competition, the band went onto huge global success, becoming one of the highest selling boybands of all time.
They went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.
The following year, Liam released solo single Strip That Down, featuring US rapper Quavo, which peaked at number three and was nominated for two Brit Awards.
He released his only solo album LP1 in 2019.
The singer began dating Girls Aloud member and former X Factor judge Cheryl in 2016.
In March 2017 the couple welcomed son Bear. They split the following year.
He had an on-off, three-year relationship with ex-fiancée Maya Henry which was said to have ended for good in May, 2022.
Earlier this week Henry called in the lawyers after accusing Liam of repeatedly messaging her, her friends, and her mum.
DRUG BATTLE
The singer had been open about his battles with drugs.
In 2021, he blamed a “pills and booze phase” for bloating his face to “ten times the size”, while also revealing he used to guzzle the contents of his mini bar when band chiefs checked the lads into hotels to keep fans at bay.
In 2019, Liam revealed he suffered suicidal thoughts as he struggled with his fame on Ant Middleton And Liam Payne: Straight Talking.
He said: “For some certain circumstances I’m quite lucky to be here still.
“There are times when that level of loneliness and people getting into you every day, it’s like, ‘When will this end?’ That’s almost nearly killed me a couple of times.”
He is survived by his son Bear, seven, his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.
WOLVERHAMPTON MOURNS
Payne developed a love of performing as a schoolboy at St Peter’s Collegiate School in Compton and had studied music at Wolverhampton College before auditioning on the X Factor as a teenager.
Liam’s former school St Peter’s Collegiate Academy said today: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former student, Liam Payne.
“During his time at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, Liam was not only well-liked by his peers and teachers but also recognised for his talents.
“He made a positive impact on our school community, and his contributions will be remembered.
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s family and friends during this difficult time. We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by his passing.”
Inside Liam Payne and Cheryl's romance
By Joanne Kavanagh
IT was a romance that caused a media storm.
One Direction hunk Liam Payne was in a relationship with X Factor judge Cheryl.
The pair – who have a ten-year age gap – got together while Cheryl was going through her divorce to second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini at the beginning of 2016.
Despite their age difference they looked completely infatuated with each other when the couple made their red carpet debut at Cannes in May 2016.
Liam even paid a sweet tribute to his girlfriend by getting a tattoo of her eye on his arm.
In 2017, Liam and Cheryl welcomed their baby.
Cheryl posted a picture on Instagram of Liam cradling their 7lb 9oz baby.
She captioned the sweet snap with: “On Wednesday Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy looking like a dream.”
One pal told The Sun: “Cheryl gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday, and both are doing well.
“Liam didn’t leave Cheryl’s side throughout the birth, and like her, he is besotted with their new son and can’t wait to take him home.
“This is the perfect Mother’s Day for Cheryl.”
The Sun revealed in May 2017, that the couple named their son Bear.
They decided on the unusual name after spending a week getting to know him.
Bear adopted his One Direction star dad’s surname, so he is called Bear Payne.
A source revealed: “Cheryl and Liam wanted to get to know [their son] before they decided on the name.
“They didn’t have the name Bear before the birth.
“But they’d been thinking of a name since meeting him and they just felt it suited him.”
In February 2018, The Sun broke the story that Liam’s constant travelling to promote his solo career had placed a huge strain on the relationship, and they were ready to split.
That same month, Cheryl declared that “none of it matters” as she shrugged off questions about her crumbling romance with Liam during a BBC Breakfast interview.
They then put on a united front together at the Brit Awards, where they smiled on the red carpet and Cheryl joked about the couple’s ‘safe word’.
However, by July 2018, Cheryl and Liam made the decision to split.
A pal told The Sun: “Cheryl and Liam worked really hard on their relationship – they had troubles earlier this year and were able to get through them.
“But they’re in different stages of their lives and, after a lot of careful thought, came to a decision that it’s best for everyone if they do go their separate ways.”
Liam and Cheryl then released a statement confirming their break-up.
They posted a message on social media that read: “We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It’s been a tough decision for us to make.
“We still have so much love for each other as a family. Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together.”
Louise Fall, principal and chief executive at Wolverhampton College, said: “We were sorry to hear the news about former student Liam Payne and wish to extend our sympathies to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Liam was also a West Bromwich Albion fan and the club paid tribute to the singer on X, formerly Twitter.
They said: “We’re shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne.
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time.”
Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre also paid tribute to Liam, who last visited the venue in 2013.
The statement read: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Liam Payne this morning and of course his millions of fans, with whom we share immense grief.
“We are always so proud of Wolverhamptoners whose talent propels them to stardom on stage, screen and music.
“Liam last visited the Grand Theatre as an audience member during the height of One Direction in 2013, we know memories of that night will last long the memories of those who met him.”