Liam Payne dead at 31

     Liam Payne, English singer and songwriter widely known as a member for the disbanded pop group, One Direction. On October 16th,  Payne died falling from a third floor balcony at the Casa Sur hotel in Argentina. His death was confirmed at 5:11 PM as the police received a distressed call from the hotel manager who reported “an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol.” The emergency medical team arrived at the scene and reported that Payne had severe injuries due to the fall. Police stated that they found medication and energy supplements, as well as a whisky bottle in the courtyard where his body was discovered. He was reported to have 25 injuries, including traumatic brain injuries that were enough to cause his death.

     When the news reached his family, they were approached by the press. They asked for privacy to mourn in peace. Shortly after his death, fans of both the singer and One Direction gathered outside the hotel of which he died, giving a standing ovation as the van carrying Payne drove away. On October 17th, fans gathered at the Clevedon Pier, where One Direction filmed the music video for “You & I”, they laid flowers on the One Direction plaque, which was installed to commemorate the music video. Further memorials have been held across the world, as most fans feel like they have “lost a friend.” Liam’s ex-girlfriend reportedly said, “she was ‘aware’ of Payne's ‘struggles over the years,’ and that she ‘hoped and prayed that this day would never come.” If you know someone who is struggling with over-consuming thoughts, reach out to someone, get them help.