Fans of the late singer have been gathering outside a church to leave flowers, balloons, cards and photos of him. All the while, they are also lighting candles in his memory
As more details emerge about his send off, fans have taken to X to try deter others from attending on the day. One wrote: “Friendly reminder Don’t go to Liam Paynes funeral, let the Family and friends mourn in peace #liampayne #funeral #grief #Respect “
A second added: “Oh god please don’t go to Liam Payne’s funeral guys I can’t believe people are actually considering it. It’s the worst thing you could do for his family and the boys. Extremely disrespectful. Please grieve like the rest of us from a respectful distance. #LiamPayne #1D “
While a third penned: “Please don’t go to #liampayne funeral… we are all fans I know… but a funeral is for his family and close friends to say goodbye to him!!!”
The tragic news of the 31-year-old’s death has left Directioners from across the world heartbroken. Fans have been leaving heartfelt tributes at a church where his funeral is rumoured to be held. A statue is now surrounded by flowers, balloons, cards, and photos of Payne.
Mourning fans have also placed cuddly toys and candles at the scene, reports Birmingham Live. One fan left a note with the lyrics from One Direction’s Walking in the Wind: “Goodbyes are bittersweet. But it’s not the end. I’ll see your face again.”
Another fan wrote a touching letter, ending it with the words “fly high”. Payne passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16. He was in the capital with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who decided to return to her home in Florida alone. Payne stayed behind but tragically died after falling from the balcony of his third-floor room at the CasaSur Palermo hotel.
Following the tragic death of his son, Geoff Payne flew to Buenos Aires. It is understood that arrangements are now being made to bring Payne’s body back home. Reports suggest that a ‘huge’ memorial service is being planned, with many celebrity friends expected to attend in honour of the former X Factor star.
Payne leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole.