Hundreds of fans congregated in Kensington Gardens, London, on Sunday to pay their respects to Liam Payne, the beloved One Direction singer who passed away this week. Fans, commonly referred to as Directioners, left heartfelt tributes not only in London but also in cities like Glasgow, Paris, Sydney, and New York as they commemorated the life of the 31-year-old artist, who tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

In London, mourners gathered near a statue of Peter Pan, the iconic character crafted by J.M. Barrie, who symbolizes eternal youth. Many of the attendees were young women who expressed their sorrow by leaving heart-shaped balloons, photographs, and flowers at the statue’s base, which overlooks the tranquil waters of The Long Water. Organizers encouraged attendees to place their tributes and then step back, allowing others to also pay their respects in the limited space available.

Fans like Lauren Anderson and Natasha Bradley, both 23, shared that being together with others who understood their grief was important to them. “Parents don’t fully grasp how much One Direction meant to us growing up,” Bradley remarked, highlighting the unique bond shared among fans during such a poignant moment.

The gatherings in London followed immediate vigils at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, where Payne’s tragic fall occurred. The remaining four members of One Direction expressed their profound sorrow in a joint statement, announcing that they were “completely devastated” by the loss of their bandmate.

Formed in 2010 on the popular British television show The X Factor, One Direction quickly skyrocketed to global fame. Over the course of their career, they released five albums, selling over 70 million copies, before disbanding in 2016. The legacy of the band continues to resonate with fans around the world, and the mourning for Payne signifies the deep connection many experienced through his music.