Celebrity deaths: A growing pattern involved

A member of the celebrity band One Direction Liam Payne passed away in the early hours of today. he died at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in the early hours of the morning. A member of one of the most popular boy bands of all time, Payne initially audition for The X Factor for the British television series  in 2008, but it was in 2010, after a second audition, that he was placed in a group with four other contestants to form One Direction. The band achieved global success before going on hiatus in 2015.

Payne died instantly after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur hotel in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31. Police were called to the hotel following an emergency call from the hotel manager, who reported “an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol”. The manager indicated in the call that “when he is conscious he is destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone”, noting that the man’s life was at risk due to the room having a balcony. Payne fell from the balcony shortly after emergency services arrived. His death was confirmed at 5:11 p.m. Argentina Time 

Payne’s death has seen the global music industry come out to pay homage to his lifetime. Several labels, streaming platforms and artists have shared their condolences via various platforms, sympathizing with family, friends and fans and calling for support. 

2024 has seen the passing of many celebrities. The legend O. J Simpson, the first player to rush for more than 2000 yards in an NFL season died on April 10 2024 of cancer. Popular country singer Toby Keith also passed away in February of cancer. Shannen Doherty, popularly known for her roles in 90210, Beverly Hills and charmed died on July 13 from breast cancer. 

Liam’s death currently has a lot of controversies surrounding it, majorly due to the fact that he died under the effects of drugs and alcohol. This is now common in the entertainment industry, as several notable names and faces have passed away from similar circumstances. Marilyn Monroe passed on from suicide and barbiturate overdose in 1962 aged 36. 

Bruce Lee died from a prescription drug overdose in 1973 aged 32. Elvis Presley died in 1977 at the age of 42 from a mixed prescription overdose. Kurt Cobain had diazepam found in his body when he was pronounced dead in 1994 at age 27. There were controversies relating to drugs when Micheal Jackson was found dead in 2009. Benadryl and marijuana was found in Whitney Houston’s body when she was pronounced dead in 2012. 

The most recent cases would be Mac Miller in 2018 and Juice WRLD in 2019. Both died from overdose on fentanyl and Percocets. The trend of celebrities dying from drugs seems to be a reoccurring case. Due to the availability of excess money and the flashy lifestyle that comes with fame, it’s almost impossible to see how this can be curbed and regulated. 

People around the world remember Liam Payne for the man he was when he was introduced to us, and not the person he turned out to be before death. Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with the family of Liam, his friends, loved ones and fans in this tough period. Rest in peace, Liam Payne. 

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