The life and final moments of Liam Payne

ABC News’ Morgan Norwood takes a look at the life of Liam Payne from his quick rise to fame with the boy band One Direction to his later personal struggles.

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[missriss_xoxo]

I was never a huge One Direction fan, but this recent tragedy with Liam Payne has made me learn more about them. It’s surprising to realize just how popular and successful they were—and yet each of them wanted to pursue a solo career. I think we all do that in life: we chase the bigger house, the better job, the nicer car, instead of appreciating what we have in the present.

I believe if they’d been treated more fairly and not overworked, they might have enjoyed a few more years together as a band. For a group with such massive global success, their time together was actually quite short compared to most bands. They were at their peak, constantly touring and recording, and if they’d had the chance to enjoy it without being pushed so hard, I truly think things might have turned out differently for them.

That intense timeline seems to have really affected Liam, especially. It feels like the hiatus set him on this challenging path, and it showed in his struggles when trying to launch a solo career. I think it impacted each of them in different ways, but for Liam, it almost seems like the start of an unfortunate journey. I think if he had better people surrounding him and a better management, he eventually would’ve found his niche and continued growing.

The saddest part of it all is, he was probably the most qualified and wrote most of the band’s songs. He was also extremely authentic and one of a kind. Sadly, this society does not reward authentic truth tellers.. They only do when it’s too late. RIP Liam, you were too good for this Earth anyway.

[SpookyGirl]

I felt my heart stopped when my niece called me about the news. I still can't believe it.

[Lma]

This is the hard part.. final goodbyes. My heart is shattered for his family, loved ones and his little boy 💔🤍

[wctrqn]

Very sad for his family and young son! 😢
Rest in peace, Liam.

[maryanderson]

Addiction is real. The road to recovery is so hard. RIP Brother.

[missriss_xoxo]

I was never a big One Direction fan, but Liam was absolutely handsome, so cheeky yet had this swag. It’s so sad to see what he did to his beautiful face and sweet cheeks. To see the bullying he was going through and the complete lack of grace people had is atrocious.

Can you imagine being one of the most successful boy band watching your band mates make it solo. Then because of horrible management and team, your solo career kind of never takes off. Ironically, though you were the one that wrote most of the music and were the core of the boy band. I think in today’s day and age, especially with social media.

People have a tendency to hyper fixate on things that seem like a big deal in the moment but actually it or nothing. Do you know how many people that wrote nasty comments are crying over Liam right now. So all that for what. To think people were canceling him because he said he supported the guy from duck dynasty. Like is everybody OK?? You see half the things celebrities do out here and people are getting mad because the guy said he respects his business and his family values. Regardless if that means he’s conservative or not. To think someone struggling with mental health to get bullied over such trivial petty stuff is embarrassing.

Or people butt hurt over him, acknowledging that he was the lead and he was the core of the group. I know that upsets all the little Harry lovers you should get over it. I think Harry is living quite the lovely life that he didn’t need you bullying Liam over it.

Then don’t get me started on the Maya Henry thing. I’ve worked in the legal field for over a decade and I’ve never seen someone write a book and then file a cease-and-desist. A cease-and-desist is very different than a restraining order. A restraining order actually keeps people away from you that are supposedly harassing and abusing you. Just makes you have to shut up. I think it’s weird that supposedly she was the only one he told that she was suicidal. She was just protecting herself because she was warned about doing something like this. And again for what you wanna make $1000 bets hysterical over this kid right now.

I really hope they pass some type of law in honor of this sweet troubled, confused man. I really hope everyone that bullied him looks at themselves in the mirror and realizes their comments piled on with everyone else’s does make an impact on people. I hope they’re not guilty of any of the things they bullied Liam of. You could tell Liam was the type of person that lit up a room. Unfortunately the society we live in is more worried about putting that light out.

[christinemariephillips]

This is still so sad RIP Rest in Peace Liam Payne😥😢😓😭 Gone too soon😥😢😓😭

[IsabellaEvins]

The whole story doesn’t seem right but he’s definitely going to be missed💔😭

[kedmonds]

This video is sooo sad!! I still can’t believe that he is gone!! It just doesn’t seem real!!! Rest In Peace Liam!! Fly high on Angels Wings!!

[tanyapearcy]

it's just so heartbreaking. So much talent, so full of promise. These children who rise to fame so quickly really need someone to be there for them for the dark side of fame. My daughter was a HUGE fan when she was younger, Liam was her favorite. She had "everything" One Direction. I became a fan too. Still am one. I've been singing One Direction songs in Karaoke since I heard the news. My heart goes out to his son, his family, his band brothers, all who loved him around the world. May he shine in the Heaven's forever

[sharonrdbl]

Hope Bear gets his dad, s watch to see him everyday❤❤❤❤

[Tonyioswfc]

R.I.P Starman sorely missed by millions around the globe, and especially your loving family and son, cheers Liam a true gentleman ✝️🙏

[refffjoi]

"I can’t get over Liam's death. It feels like I've lost someone very close to me, and I don’t know what to do. I’m experiencing deep depression and overwhelming sadness. It's such a shameful feeling, as if I shouldn’t be affected this much. I feel lost and heartbroken."

[RachelMullerCreations]

I saw somewhere that he had a later in life diagnosis of ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely to have substance abuse issues. If he was diagnosed with it earlier and given the tools to understand what was wrong with him, he might still be alive. ADHD isn't about the one that shows the outward actions. It can be inwards with the racing thoughts that don't stop.

[Carol-xvm]

So sad 💔. Rest in peace Liam, , we love and miss you so much 🙏💖.

[lulub]

He relapsed and since he had money the hotel staff took advantage of him. The hotel staff never should’ve helped him get those drugs. 9/10 we don’t know what is really in it. He fainted because it was too strong and too much. RIP Liam 🙏🏽💔

[Spurfect]

So sad :(. After looking at the balcony and the spot where he landed, seems like the trajectory of the fall was in one direction.

[SaleemJaglal]

I'm saddened by this news becoz I'm a number 1 fan of Liam..rest in peace angel😢😢

[ramonafiordalizanunez]

Rest in God's glory i can understand your pain more yhan anyone .😢 So sorry for your family and loosing you. This hurts cause he is young 🙏

[JanetDizon-yr]

Addiction is real, take care of your mental health. Rip Liam Payne🙏🏼