Lynchburg Students Remember Liam Payne and His Impact

By Ellie Simmers- Staff Writer and Assistant Editor

Millions of fans were stunned by the sudden death of former One Direction member Liam Payne. At only 31 years old, the unexpected nature of his death, alongside the emerging details of substance abuse, has left fans emotional. Payne’s death has affected his global audience and the tiny campus of the University of Lynchburg.

Alexis Pascke, a sophomore at Lynchburg, reflected on her initial reaction to hearing the news of Payne’s passing. “It was so weird because I thought about what if 10-year-old me had heard this? Because I still am 10-year-old me,” Pascke said, later noting the resurgence of the One Direction fanbase online as a result of Payne’s passing.

Junior, Mena Sutphin, relayed a similar sentiment regarding the reaction to Payne’s death. “His death is sad, but also, in a way, the positive about it is that it’s kind of revived the fandom,” Sutphin said, referencing the onslaught of social media engagement surrounding the life and career of Liam Payne and One Direction as a whole.

An aspect that has been discussed in the aftermath of Payne’s passing is the idea of parasocial relationships, defined as one-sided relationships where a person feels a connection to someone they don’t know.

“So you think, you know them, and then especially when they pass away, you really feel the feelings of that,” Paschke explained, noting that she believes younger audiences are more susceptible to parasocial tendencies.

Reflecting on Payne’s passing, Sutphin shared how celebrities are viewed after passing. “It made me realize that people really only care and say super kind and empathetic things about people until after they’re gone,” said Sutphin, referring to the allegations raised by Payne’s ex-fiancee, Maya Henry, before his death, dividing fans between mourning him and grappling with the allegations.

According to an NIH study, the grief that fans experience when a celebrity passes is not widely accepted or understood in society, comparing the loss of a parasocial relationship to the loss of a close friend.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or suicidal thoughts, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline or visit the Counseling Center located in Hundley Hall.