### Fans Worldwide Mourn One Direction's Liam Payne

Hundreds of fans gathered in Kensington Gardens, London, on Sunday to pay tribute to One Direction's Liam Payne, who tragically passed away this week. The singer, beloved by many, died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

Known collectively as Directioners, One Direction fans honored Payne's memory in various cities including London, Glasgow, Paris, Sydney, and New York. In London's Kensington Gardens, mourners assembled near the iconic statue of Peter Pan, leaving heart-shaped balloons, photographs, and flowers. The statue, nestled by The Long Water, became a focal point for grief-stricken fans who clapped and sang in homage to Payne.

Lauren Anderson and Natasha Bradley, both 23, described the gathering as an opportunity to share their sorrow with others who understood the deep impact One Direction had on their lives. "Your parents, they don't really understand how much [One Direction] really meant to you growing up," Bradley shared.

In Buenos Aires, where Payne's fatal fall occurred, immediate gatherings took place outside the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighborhood. The remaining members of One Direction released a joint statement expressing their devastation over the loss of their bandmate.

Meanwhile, in Paris, around 400 fans congregated in the Tuileries Gardens, overlooking the historic Place de la Concorde. The group, many of them tearful, sang, lit candles, and left flowers, photographs, and handwritten notes. Emilie Houdinet, a 26-year-old fan, explained the band's significance, saying, "They helped me. They were there throughout my adolescence to age 18. They were a bit like dads to us."

One Direction, formed in 2010 through the British TV talent show X Factor, rapidly skyrocketed to global fame. The band, which produced five albums and sold over 70 million copies, disbanded in 2016, leaving a lasting legacy and a devoted fanbase.