Liam Payne, former member of One Direction was found dead in Argentina at just 31 years old. This news not only shocked people, but shook up the lives of the people who grew up listening to his music and following his career. 

Despite his controversies, it’s hard not to mourn the member of such a beloved group of men, especially those who grew up a fan of his. The music and influence of One Direction broke records and changed the lives of young people throughout the 2010s. It’s important to touch on the fact that the people who mourn him aren’t just having a parasocial relationship with the deceased singer, they are mourning a piece of their childhood. With his passing, a joy that came with the nostalgia of his music passes as well. The young Liam Payne that was in One Direction was vastly different from the one that was lost this past month. He was once a beloved singer, full of life and youthful energy, having carried the band through the competition of X Factor where they got their start. He’s had his issues within the spotlight following the disbandment of the group, but people all around the world mourn the boy that was known for loving to sing and the friends that he considered his brothers within the band. 

His death is followed by tributes from former band members, friends, his girlfriend of two years, the mother of his child, and more. Payne had been in hot water with his fans in America for a couple years, but his passing not only flipped the narrative, but caused many people to rethink their mistreatment of him. The internet was cruel to Liam and justified or not, his death has made people reconsider how he should be remembered. Fans have taken to social media to grieve and get One Direction trending again. It’s important to remember that it’s a delicate situation for many people including fans and his family that he leaves behind and to tread on the situation carefully.