On October 16th, 2024, former One Direction star Liam Payne tragically passed away. 

One of the most prominent stars of our generation, many people remember exactly where they were when they heard the news. Senior Corinne Glover was at a friend’s house when she heard the news. “We re-watched a bunch of One Direction music videos,” Glover said. 

Across the world, Directioners gathered to remember the singer. Thousands of bouquets of flowers were placed in more than two dozen metropolises, including near the Argentinian hotel where he allegedly committed suicide. 

Payne’s death was preceded by much of the fandom’s explicit hate towards him, as rumors circulated about Payne being an abusive partner. Since then, many have withdrawn their comments, 

This past week, many fans posted memorials. And, in place of hate from a year ago, the band member is being recognized for his constant charitable support. From donating to food banks, playing in the UNICEF soccer match, or donating to GoFundMe’s, Payne wasn’t shy about using his fame to support those less fortunate. 

One Direction was intertwined with many of our childhoods, from dancing to the 2013 hit “What Makes You Beautiful” to crying to Made in the A.M.’s “Love You Goodbye.” On social medias, many paid their respects, noting Liam Payne’s death as a close to our childhoods. 

The singer-songwriter was 31.