Loved by many: Payne was said to be in Buenos Aires for former bandmate Horan’s concert. — AP
PETALING JAYA: The tragic death of former One Direction member Liam Payne has left the world in shock, including many of the boy band’s fans in the country.
Malaysian Directioners, as fans of the British-Irish pop group are known, woke up yesterday to the news of the 31-year-old singer’s death, reportedly from a fall off a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires at about 5pm (local time) on Wednesday.
Payne was said to be in the Argentine capital to attend the concert of his former bandmate Niall Horan.
Malaysians who had been touched by the group’s music took to social media to mourn the passing of the young star. Among them was marketing executive Nikita Ashley Fernandez.
“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,” she said.
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, formed in 2010, took a hiatus in 2016. The move left Directioners everywhere yearning for the day the quintet would reunite, holding out hope for the return of their beloved boy band.
However, that hope has been shattered, with Payne’s devastating death.
The band, often shortened to 1D, is known for hits such as What Makes You Beautiful, Best Song Ever, Story of My Life and Live While We’re Young.
Besides Payne and Horan, others in the group 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.
