'I'm at the hotel where Liam Payne died and the grief that hangs in the air is striking'

Mirror reporter Christopher Bucktin is at the hotel in Argentina where former One Direction star Liam Payne tragically fell to his death at the age of just 31

Standing just two dozen yards from where Liam Payne tragically fell to his death, it is impossible not to be struck by the rawness of the grief that still hangs heavy in the air.

The early morning sun cast a long shadow on the pavement, finally drowning out the light from the sea of candles lit by his adoring fans. A constant stream of One Direction fans, some clutching photos of the late star, others just standing, staring in contemplation, gather to pay their respects. Their shared grief binds them as tightly as the band’s music once did.

Many are whispering to one another, no doubt sharing memories of their idol, recounting concerts they attended and albums that became score to their lives. Less than two days after his passing and still an emotional undercurrent runs deep here - it seems more than just the loss of a boy band star but the passing of a figure who soundtracked the lives of millions.

A makeshift memorial grows larger by the hour. Most of the candles, burnt halfway, flicker in the spring Buenos Airies air, their dimming glow reflecting the grief of those who kneel to light them. Some candles are placed in neat rows, while others formed a circle around a large photo of Liam smiling, captured at the peak of his career when the band’s charisma seemed untouchable. It is a bittersweet image now.

The floral tributes are striking in their variety, as if the fans, in their despair, have sought to brighten the space with the brightest blooms they could find. Some fans have written heartfelt messages on small cards tucked into the bouquets, including: “Gracias por la musica (Thank you for the music) and “Te extrañamos, Liam (We miss you, Liam)” The words may be simple, but the weight of their sentiment is huge.

One young woman, no older than 20, clutches a bunch of white roses and stares at the hotel in stunned silence. As she wells up, her hand appears to tremble as she gently places the bouquet on the growing pile of flowers. "I still can’t believe it," she tells me.

For many, this is not just a celebrity they admired from afar. Along with his bandmates, he became a constant in their lives. Their voices and presence, and above Liam’s candidness about his personal struggles, made him a relatable figure who seemed more human than the polished pop stars who dominated the charts.

For these fans, his loss is enormous. A hero of their childhood is gone.

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