Fans in the UAE are in shock after waking up to the tragic news of former One Direction member Liam Payne's sudden death in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old singer reportedly fell to his death from a third-floor hotel balcony on Wednesday evening, with rumors suggesting he was under the influence of substances at the time.
'Directioners,' as fans of the former pop group are known, are heartbroken for the third time since the band's formation in 2010—first with Zayn Malik's departure, then the group's split, and now Liam's shocking death. Known for his songwriting talents and cheerful demeanor, Liam's passing has left fans devastated.
Yara Lahoud, a 28-year-old Lebanese expat in Dubai, expressed her shock, referencing Liam's past struggles with addiction. Liam had previously opened up about hitting 'rock bottom' and battling alcoholism and substance abuse.
Suchitra Appiah, a 22-year-old expat in Dubai, woke up to a text from her best friend asking if she had seen the news. 'I thought she meant he’d done something wild, maybe even big news like the band reuniting. But then I opened Instagram, and the first post I saw was 'RIP Liam Payne',' she said.
For many fans, One Direction was a significant part of their teenage years, helping them form friendships. Sudanese expat Waad El Magboul found herself listening to One Direction songs on repeat as she headed to work, saying, 'It’s surreal to think he’s gone.'
For Dubai-based audio engineer Aarti Venkat, the news was hard to digest. 'It’s super bizarre to know that he’s passed; it’s uncomfortable in a way because One Direction has been such a big part of my life since I was barely a teenager,' she said.
Ananya Murali, a 22-year-old musician and audio engineer in Dubai, was inspired by One Direction's music to pursue a career in music. 'Their albums had a huge influence on me, something I started appreciating even more once I started my career,' she said.
Despite the band's hiatus since 2016, fans still hoped for a reunion. Liam's passing has forced many to confront a different, more painful reality. 'I can’t believe the first (possible) One Direction reunion may be a funeral. The 13-year-old in me can’t take this,' said Aariz Faridi, a 21-year-old university student in Sharjah.
Liam's personality resonated with many fans, who saw him as the 'dad' of the group—goofing around but also caring for the others. In October 2016, Liam released his first solo single after the band's hiatus, trying to break away from the group's 'good boy' image.
Last year, Liam posted a video on his YouTube channel, discussing his family, new art, and performing again after giving up alcohol. He thanked supporters for sticking with him through tough times.
Suchitra summed up the feelings of many fans: 'It feels like I’ve lost more than just a person I once loved and idolised—I'm grieving the loss of a part of my own past.'
