Liam Payne anniversary: Fans mourn loss of Wolverhampton-born One Direction star one year on from tragic death - here's what has happened since
Today marks the first anniversary of the passing of the former One Direction singer Liam Payne.
Today marks one year since Wolverhampton-born singer and One Direction star Liam Payne, aged 31, died after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024.
The singer's death last year sparked tributes and gatherings around the world, including from his former bandmates, friends, and family members.
He grew up in Bushbury, Wolverhampton, and attended St Peter's Collegiate School before attending the city's college.
He took a keen interest in the amateur drama and athletics clubs, and while he moved from the area later in life, his family remained in the city.
Now, one year on, the city still mourns for the singing icon, with fresh flowers being laid at West Park, and while his death was felt worldwide, it was felt more acutely in the place he called home. We look back on the impact his death.
The investigation
Investigations into Liam's death remain ongoing following his death a year ago.
An autopsy confirmed “polytrauma” from the fall, with no signs of assault. Toxicology revealed alcohol, cocaine, and prescribed antidepressants in his system. His hotel room showed signs of disturbance and drug use. Five people, including hotel staff and acquaintances, were initially charged in Argentina with negligent homicide and drug supply. Investigators believe Payne was likely impaired or unconscious during the fall.
In the aftermath Liam's friend Rogelio 'Roger' Nores, hotel operator Gilda Martin and receptionist Esteban Grassi faced manslaughter charges, although these were later dropped.
Hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra, 22, and waiter Braian Paiz, 25, have been charged with supplying cocaine to the singer.
However, a trial date has not been set for the two suspects. If found guilty of the drug offences, the pair could be handed as much as 15 years behind bars. They have been in custody since January 2025.
The UK inquest remains open, awaiting evidence from Argentine authorities to determine whether the fall was accidental or influenced by others.
Argentinian police say: "Police are still looking through Liam's laptop and the mobile phones of people connected to the inquiry. It's very frustrating as the likelihood of a trial still seems a long way off, and there is a sense that the police investigation is too slow."
Fan tributes
Thousands of flowers, cards, messages and balloons were placed at key points around the region within minutes of the news of his death, including at a gathering which took place in the city's West Park.
Among his heartbroken fans to lay tributes in Wolverhampton was Hayley Smith, aged 26, who had travelled to Wolverhampton from Telford to pay honour to the singer.
She said: "I wanted to be here and I came here specifically to make sure that no one showed up and felt they didn't have anyone to talk to, because I've done it and it's not a nice feeling.
"It's bittersweet to have to do it, but it's nice not to be alone and to be able to share memories of someone who meant so much to us, and I'm adamant about making sure that no one ever forgets who he was.
"He was someone who did so much in his short life and will always live on forever in millions of people's hearts, so until there is something permanent put up for him, I want to make sure that this stays a place that people can come to and share their memories.”
The flowers sat close to St Peter's Church, a major landmark in the city, before being moved to West Park, which has become a meeting point for fans since the singer's death.
Charitable legacy
This week, it was revealed that nearly £250,000 has been raised in memory of Liam, with the money raised going to help fund the 'pioneering research, cutting-edge treatments and expert care' at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh).
The fundraiser online stands at £34,292; however, it is reported that almost £250,000 has been donated.
Liz Tait, Gosh's fundraising director, told The Sun: "We’re so touched by the generosity shown towards Gosh in Liam’s memory.
“Every donation is helping us to take another step towards a world-leading children’s cancer centre — a place of hope which will help build the future of children’s cancer care and save more lives."
His family also asked for donations at the tragic star’s funeral in November last year.
Remembered by his bandmates
Fellow One Direction star Louis Tomlinson last week revealed bandmate Niall Horan informed him about Liam Payne, saying “we all looked up to him”.
The 33-year-old said Payne had been pushing for a reunion of the band, which also included Harry Styles and Zayn Malik.
He said: “There was no one campaigning for One Direction to get back together more than Liam. I would say I came in a close second.”
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.