Nashvillians gathered Sunday evening to celebrate the life of Liam Payne, former member of the boyband One Direction, who died on Wednesday.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Nashvillians gathered Sunday evening to celebrate the life of singer Liam Payne, who died on Wednesday.
Dozens of fans met near Lake Watauga in Centennial Park, leaving mementos in Payne’s memory.
Mourners gathered on blankets near a tree in the park, singing One Direction songs and lighting candles. Around the tree, fans arranged flowers, photos, personal letters, and even spoons– a nod to memories of Payne from his early years in the band.
This memorial in Tennessee was one of many that took place across the world over the weekend. Crowds formed in cities across a number of countries to hold vigils for the singer.
Payne died on Oct. 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling from a balcony on the third floor of his hotel, according to reports. He was 31 years old.
Payne was a former member of the boyband One Direction, who got their start on the British singing competition show “The X-Factor” in 2010. The band drew worldwide success over six years, ending with the members going their separate ways in 2016. Payne had since embarked on a solo career.
The four remaining members of the band have posted personal messages and a joint statement since Payne’s death.
The post from the group’s Instagram reads in part, “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.”