On Grieving: the loss of Liam Payne

This is an evolving story, and this article will undergo multiple updates as we learn more about what happened. Any information that is later deemed false will be removed, edited, etc.

As a member of GenZ, the sudden loss of Liam Payne was a shock to me as it was for everyone who heard of the star's sudden passing from a fall from a third-floor balcony of his hotel in Brunoes Aires, Argentina, on October 16. According to authorities at this time. No foul play was involved the preliminary autopsy showed injuries consistent with a fall that ultimately caused his death.

At this time, it is believed Liam was semi-conscious, and it is believed that if he had been in his room, he would have just passed out, but unfortunately, he was out on the hotel balcony, leading to his untimely death.

According to an Argentinan partial autopsy, Liam had multiple substances in his system, including pink cocaine. A newer type of designer drug, also known as "Tuci," is A drug that contains psychedelic and ketamine. As well as ecstasy and meth. The drug acts as a stimulant and a depressant at the same time, making it even more dangerous. It started as a party drug in Latin America and is starting to show up around the US. The drug can cause unpredictable behavior. Liam was exhibiting erratic behavior before his death, and the pink cocaine is partly a factor in his death.

As of this writing, the authorities had called the police when a guest, supposedly Payne, was acting erratically in the lobby, breaking his laptop and needing to be escorted back to his room before he eventually fell to his death by the time police arrived. There was damage to the room's TV, and drug paraphernalia was present. The toxicology report is pending at this time.

I am devastated by this, as someone who's held 1D in my heart since their breakup and as someone who saw them as a young teen, my first concert experience. While I was never a full Directioner, I loved the music and each of them individually.

Grieving is hard, especially in parasocial relationships, when you feel connected to a celebrity through their work. Liam's unexpected loss is also shocking, as he was only thirty-one and had a young son with his ex, who unfortunately had terrible experiences with Payne as he battled addiction and possibly other mental health issues that caused him to say and do things he probably wouldn't have otherwise. This does not excuse his behavior toward his ex in any way, according to his ex.

Payne threatened her with suicide or self-harm, Which is a clear sign of mental health struggles were present. At this time, these alleged allegations towards Payne, according to People magazine, might have been part of why Payne committed suicide, although that is not fully known why this could point to a reason why Liam felt compelled to take his life. (Although drug use could have a major part as well)

As someone fascinated with celebrities, I knew there would come times like this when something could happen that could shock the world involving celebrities, whether it be a scandal or something like that.

However, I never expected something like this so soon and to be a band member of a band I saw live at thirteen. As a young child, I vaguely remember the loss of Michael Jackson in 2009. I didn't understand it as I was young all I knew was he was someone important that people missed. As well as the loss of Prince and Tom Petty. Equally devastating losses to the music world. I never thought I'd experience this so soon with a singer of my generation, which is heartbreaking.

Liam was young and, unfortunately, hid his struggles so well that he was fine and improving. According to Payne, in a recent online post to one of his social media platforms, he stated he was three months sober from alcohol and feeling great. He was vacationing in Argentina to see his former bandmate's concert and relax. In a Snapchat post on his last day, Liam said he was excited to go home to his dog.

Fame is a scary thing and can make a human change rapidly. Their personality, body, mindset, etc, can damage a young and developing mind. Celebrities can be exposed to a lot of horrible things at a young age, or sudden overnight fame can be overwhelming for one to handle and turn to drugs, alcohol, or other means to cope with the intensity of it. Young people can easily be taken advantage of by powerful people in the industry, and that can be dangerous as well. Liam suffered the effects of this, which led him to drug and alcohol addiction to cope.

One Direction quickly grew to one of the biggest bands in the last decade. Thanks to Simon Cowell for managing the boys and giving them the careers they have today. However, it was later revealed that Simon wasn't the best manager, and the boys were severely overworked from their teens onwards. They were treated horribly by Simon and, because they were young, got exposed to things young men or women should never be exposed to.

As a fan, I grieve the loss of Liam, a man who struggled and couldn't reach out for help. A man who was a father, a bandmate, a son, and loved by millions, if not thousands of people. Before his tragic passing, he was seen outside his hotel taking photos with fans.

His former bandmates have responded to Liam's loss with the following message.

"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," they said. "In time, and when everyone can, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. We love you, Liam,"

Today, I grieve alongside everyone who knew Liam professionally and otherwise. I send my condolences to his family, especially his young son Bear and his former bandmates.

I am not grieving the man he became. I am grieving that boy who was part of my childhood, a band that I grew up alongside and watched become a man. That doesn't excuse any of the horrible things he did when he grew up. He was human and struggled like everyone does. Just because you are famous doesn't mean you don't have problems.

A piece of my childhood is gone, and I will miss that part of me forever.

I pray Liam is now at peace.

RIP Liam Payne

Thank you for being my first live music experience with 1D, which I will never forget. The last piece of my childhood I held onto even after they broke up is gone.

Thank you, Liam, for everything.

If you are struggling with your mental health, contact your local mental health services or call or text 988.

Remember, it is ok to grieve someone you have never met. You are allowed to support someone for their art and grieve their passing. It is ok to grieve however you feel you need to, and if people don't understand why you are grieving, that is ok. They didn't live through 1D, so they just won't understand, although some Beatles fans might realize they have more in common with 1D fans than they thought.

1D forever.

If you want to support Liam's legacy, sign this petition linked below to help pass Liam's law to help protect those in the music industry and keep tabs on management.

Petition