Tuesday, December 17, 2024

How to grieve a celebrity’s death

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News of Liam Payne’s tragic death has sent shockwaves throughout the world, with tributes pouring in from fans and famous friends alike.

The former One Direction star died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. Payne was best known as one of the original members of One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.

Fans have expressed their grief and shock at Payne’s death on social media, with many reflecting on the role One Direction played in their lives when the boy band shot to fame in 2010.

Writing on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, one fan explained: “Liam Payne was a part of my childhood, 1D songs were and are still my way to escape and get lost in my childhood nostalgia. So Liam Payne passing makes this feel really strange, it’s like part of my childhood is now somehow tainted. This is why it’s shocking to me.”

Another said: “I feel like most of us are so shocked over Liam Payne’s death [because] that man once was part of something our 13-year-old selves could never imagine living without. Like, why am I actually speechless right now. It’s so weird.”

 From left to right: Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles.

Liam Payne was one of the original members of One Direction. From left to right: Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles. (Getty Images)

Our emotional response to a celebrity’s death can sometimes catch us by surprise, as we don’t know them personally. But these feelings are nevertheless real and can impact us significantly.

Bereavement counsellor Jane Murray, of Marie Curie, said: “Our reactions and feelings are all real to us and should be acknowledged and respected. And it’s also important to remember that the famous person would have had their own personal and familial relationships, which it’s important to respect.”

According to bereavement support charity Cruse, people grieve for celebrities for a number of reasons, including:

Fans often develop ‘parasocial relationships’ with celebrities, which can mean feeling like you knew them personally, especially if they were very active on social media and shared a lot of personal information about their lives.

A fan of British singer Liam Payne lit a candle next to the hotel where he died in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. British singer Liam Payne, former member of the group One Direction, died Wednesday aged 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina, police in Buenos Aires said. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP)A fan of British singer Liam Payne lit a candle next to the hotel where he died in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. British singer Liam Payne, former member of the group One Direction, died Wednesday aged 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina, police in Buenos Aires said. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP)

Fans in Argentina have lit candles to pay tribute to Liam Payne. (Getty Images)

Celebrities have the power to inspire and influence us, be role models, or remind us of more carefree times through nostalgia. It’s natural to be upset when someone who was important in your life dies.

The death of a celebrity can bring up memories of our own grief, which can make it more upsetting.

Celebrities can feel like a permanent part of the landscape – particularly if you grew up with them. The shock of their death can challenge our assumptions about the world.

Overwhelming news coverage about a celebrity who has died, as well as outpourings of emotion on social media from fans can be difficult to deal with.

Watch: Liam Payne previously discussed struggles with fame and mental health in candid 2019 interview

Give yourself permission to feel sad, for the person who has died and their loved ones, and also for what you have lost.

Look for others who are affected by this death in the same way, whether it’s through family and friends, or online.

Try making a small memorial, looking at pictures, writing down some of your memories, or revisiting their work.

It’s important to recognise when the news is making you feel worse and switching it off.

If you want to support a friend who is struggling with the death of a celebrity, Murray, of Marie Curie, advised: “Be a listening ear and allow the person to express emotions.

“Ridiculing them or belittling what they’re feeling by saying things like, ‘You didn’t even know them’ probably won’t help. Instead, you could ask neutral questions like, ‘How are you feeling about it?’”

If you are grieving and need support, you can contact the Marie Curie Support Line Team here or call Cruse’s Helpline here.

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