PETALING JAYA: When the tragic news of former One Direction member Liam Payne’s death broke, Malaysian Directioners, as fans of the British/Irish boy band are known, woke to a tidal wave of heartbreak and tears.
The 31-year-old singer was found dead after reportedly falling from a third floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, according to local authorities.
It was also learned that Payne was in the Argentinian capital to attend the concert of his former bandmate, Niall Horan.
The incident has left fans around the world in a state of shock, struggling and unwilling to let reality sink in.
“The world lost someone beautiful today but heaven gained an angel. One Direction will forever be a part of the story of our lives. We love you Liam," said marketing executive Nikita Ashley Fernandez.
Muthalahee Rajendran commented on Facebook “Rest in peace Liam”, followed by multiple heart and rose emojis.
“I could not explain the amount of emotions that rushed through me when I read the text ‘Liam Payne passed away’,” wrote a student named Michelle after waking up to a missed call from an old friend and fellow fan.
“Directioners have been begging for a reunion but we did not mean for it to be through a funeral,” she said.
One Direction's hiatus in 2016 left Directioners everywhere yearning for the day the band would reunite, holding out hope for the return of their beloved group.
However, with the shocking news of Payne's untimely death, that hope has been tragically shattered.
For many, the news felt surreal, as memories of bedroom walls plastered with One Direction posters came flooding back - a bittersweet reminder of the lasting impact Payne had on a generation of fans.
The band, often shortened to 1D, is known for their hits singles such as "What Makes You Beautiful", "Best Song Ever", "Story of My Life" and "Live While We're Young."
Besides Horan and Payne, other members are Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik.
“Deeply saddened by the news of such an untimely passing. I have been following 1D since the X-Factor days, and have enjoyed a memorable journey in my childhood listening to their music,” said consultant Timothy.
Charis Thum wrote in a comment “RIP. Clearly a wake up call that mental health is so important.”
