Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, members of the boy band One Direction came together in grief on Wednesday to attend the funeral of their bandmate, Liam Payne, who tragically passed away last month at the age of 31.
The star joined Payne’s grieving family and close friends for the private service held at a church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. The emotional reunion marked the first time the group had been seen together in years, albeit under heartbreaking circumstances.
Photos from the funeral soon went viral online, with fans expressing their heartbreak over watching bandmates Harry and Louis seemingly breaking down as they made their way into the church for the final rites. All four bandmates suited up in black suits and black ties for the ceremony.
Fans also spotted photos of Zayn and Louis comforting each other after the ceremony on the church grounds.
Payne’s coffin arrived in a white carriage drawn by two white horses, adorned with floral arrangements spelling out “Son” and “Daddy,” a tribute of love from his 7-year-old son, Bear, who he shares with former partner Cheryl.
The service was also attended by music mogul Simon Cowell, who had been instrumental in forming One Direction in 2010. Payne's former partner Cheryl was also present at the funeral, while girlfriend Kate Cassidy was seen arriving separately.
Fans of the band, who once dominated global music charts, expressed their emotions on social media, calling the gathering a “saddest reunion.”
Liam Payne died on October 16 following a tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires after falling from his third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentinian capital.
In a short statement following his death, Payne's family said: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul."
One Direction said they had been "completely devastated" by his death.
