Story of his life in the spotlight
Liam Payne was brought into the spotlight at 16 years old when he auditioned for The X Factor, a British reality TV music competition, for the second time in 2010. Singing Ella Fitzgerald’s “Cry Me a River,” Payne wowed the judges with his charisma and strong tone. Although initially eliminated from the solo competition, he was later brought back by the judges to be formed into a group with four other contestants who were also eliminated — Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan. The group became known as One Direction, and after placing third on the show, they quickly took the hearts of teenagers worldwide.
The band toured the world for five years until they called a hiatus in 2016. On Jessie and Lennie Ware’s podcast, “Table Manners,” Payne stated he felt there was no stop button in the band’s schedule and that he lost control of his life. After the band was put on pause, the boys continued their musical careers as solo artists and explored other interests, while still capturing the hearts of old and new fans alike.
During Payne’s solo career, he released his debut studio album, LP1, with his hit single, “Strip That Down” featuring Quavo. This new era in Payne’s life allowed him to create his own identity and sense of self in the music industry. During his solo career, he embraced a distinctive sense of style that set him apart from his fellow bandmates, allowing him to express his individuality.
Mental health and substance use struggles
Payne was very open to the public about his struggles with mental health and substance use. He shared with Esquire Middle East that he struggled with anxiety and agoraphobia, making it difficult for him to leave the house. Payne also experienced depressive and suicidal thoughts. Payne revealed in a Sky News Interview that he struggled with feelings of loneliness and “people getting into [him] every day,” which sometimes left him thinking “when will this end?” To get support and comfort, he relied on friends and family and tried to look inside himself to figure out why he was feeling this way.
Death
Payne died Oct. 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at only 31 years old. A toxicology report released Nov. 7 by the local prosecutor’s office in Buenos Aires indicated Payne had traces of alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants in his system at the time of his death.
No matter the struggles he was going through, Payne was still there for others, taking pictures with fans just hours before his death and visiting his former bandmate Niall Horan at his concert in Argentina days prior.
Payne left behind friends, family, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and his seven-year-old son, Bear.
Members of the St. Joe’s community seeking support are encouraged to contact the following resources:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 610-660-1090
Campus Ministry, 610-660-1030
The Office of Student Outreach & Support, 610-660-1149
The Jesuit community, 610-660-1400
Employee Assistance Program, 866-799-2728
