One Direction star, Liam Payne, was found dead beneath his hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The singer had traveled to Argentina two weeks prior to attend former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan’s concert. His fans, friends, and family mourn the premature loss of the star.

Payne’s death shocked many at the school who had been longtime fans of his solo work and contributions to One Direction.

“It just didn’t feel real,” senior Lilly Romito said. “Even though I didn’t know him personally, it felt like I had a connection to [Payne] because I was a fan for so long.”

Payne plunged into stardom at the young age of 16 after auditioning for “The X Factor” in 2010 and being placed in a band that would soon become one of the most successful boy bands of the 21st century. In the group’s six years as a band, One Direction not only broke world records, but captured the hearts of millions across the world. 

“One Direction was everywhere at the time,” senior Lana Perez said. “It became a part of my childhood.”

Payne, like the rest of his bandmates, started his solo career after One Direction went on an “extended hiatus” in January of 2016. Payne released his first solo single “Strip That Down” one year later. 

“I was 14 when One Direction first got popular,” English teacher Ms. Corpe said. “[After they disbanded] I mostly listened to Harry Styles and Niall Horan’s solo music, but I listened to Liam’s popular songs. I would still keep up with the rumblings between them, especially recently.”

In previous years, Payne had opened up about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. The pattern of child stars struggling with mental health and substance abuse has sparked fans to advocate for the protection of artists’ mental health. A fan-made petition proposing a new legislation in the UK, “Liam’s Law,” which would require artists to have access to mental health care professionals through their label, has received over 100,000 signatures.  

“In recent news of Liam Payne’s tragic death as many others, the entertainment industry needs to be held accountable and be responsible to the welfare of their artists,” petition starter Day Kv said. “We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry.”

Payne achieved great things in his musical career and many of his fans will continue to be impacted by the art that he contributed to the industry.