Liam Payne’s sudden death has sent shockwaves not only through his friends and family but also among his devoted fans.
Payne was one of the five members of One Direction, the best-selling boy band of all time. The band has maintained a cult following despite being on indefinite hiatus since 2016.
One Direction fans, who had long hoped for a reunion, are in sheer shock, flooding social media with tributes and messages of sorrow.
Heather Hagen, a licensed mental health clinician and executive director of outpatient services at Newport Healthcare in Los Angeles, shared with Fox News Digital that the feelings of mourning and grief are very real, even without a personal relationship.
“Celebrities can have a major impact on fans’ lives through their work, which can create a sense of connection,” she explained. “So, the emotions you are feeling are valid.”
Hagen noted that nostalgia may amplify the impact of Payne’s death on fans, particularly those who grew up listening to One Direction’s music.
“These fans might reflect on memories tied to the celebrity’s music and the joy those moments brought them growing up,” she said.
According to Hagen, younger generations, especially Gen Z and younger millennials, may feel this loss more deeply. “He was still a young man and active in his career. This may be the first celebrity death they are encountering, which could evoke stronger emotions than for older demographics.”
Hagen advised those processing the loss of the Teardrops hitmaker to allow themselves to experience the full range of feelings associated with grief, including anger, sadness, and nostalgia.
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.