Fans have gathered in Wolverhampton, the hometown of singer Liam Payne, to commemorate the first anniversary of his death.
Bouquets, cards, and posters bearing messages such as “We love you, Liam,” “I hope you are in a better place,” and “You will always be remembered” were placed around the bandstand in West Park.
The One Direction star passed away at the age of 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Payne’s death, a native of Bushbury in Wolverhampton, prompted widespread vigils globally.
Rays of Sunshine, a charity he collaborated with, stated that he brought joy to the lives of numerous terminally ill children.
Official records indicate that Payne left behind assets, including money and property, valued at over £24 million when he died on October 16th of the previous year.
Sarah McRobb, a fan from Australia residing in Manchester, was among those present at the West Park bandstand.
The 30-year-old mentioned incorporating favorite quotes into her written tribute, “just random things from all different videos and just the funny moments that kind of showed the kind of person he was”.
“I just really want people to come and see this and just remember,” she added.
“Coming here, it feels like [the] closest place to be connected to Liam in a way, and everybody kind of comes here.
“For his birthday this whole thing was transformed all the way round, and we’re expecting more tributes to come in.”
Ms. McRobb described the singer as kind and a “great role model.”
“I think the world would just be a lot better place if he was still in it.”
John Carpenter, who attended secondary school with Payne, reflected on witnessing his friend’s ascent to fame, calling it “incredible.”
He recalled that after Payne’s appearance on ITV’s X Factor and subsequent formation of One Direction, “We had a good feeling about it that he was going to go all the way.”
Mr. Carpenter said he would remember his friend as “a really loyal friend who would always encourage and always build you up – and he would want you to be the best person that you could be”.
He mentioned his plans to commemorate his friend on the anniversary by engaging in an activity they both enjoyed, adding: “Tonight, I might actually go on a run – that’s what myself and Liam used to do a lot.”
In February, an Argentine court dismissed charges of criminal negligence against three of the five individuals initially charged in connection with the singer’s death.
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Suppliers also say they have been met with silence when they contact organisers to ask for payment.
Details released by Argentine authorities give a picture of the events surrounding the singer’s death.