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By Maria Morava
Relationships Reporter
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The unexpected death of former One Direction star Liam Payne has left millions of fans around the world in shock.
The 31-year-old was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, leaving behind a seven-year-old son and countless fans who have followed Payne since they were teenagers. While the vast majority of these fans never knew Payne, the distress of parasocial grief—that is, grieving someone you never personally knew—can still strike a deep chord.
Newsweek spoke to experts about what happens when a public figure dies unexpectedly, and how to navigate losses that may not feel so straightforward.
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Understanding parasocial grief
Parasocial grief is a response part of a phenomenon known as the "parasocial relationship," where people form deep emotional connections with public figures they admire. Payne's death, like other major celebrity losses in recent years, will inevitably reignite conversations about how we cope with grief when it's tied to someone we've never met—and Emme Smith, a licensed psychotherapist and founder of GraySpace Counseling, told Newsweek why this is.
"Celebrities represent something bigger than just their personal lives," she said. "They might symbolize our dreams, certain moments in our lives or even parts of our identity. So, when they pass, it can feel like a part of us is lost, too. We attach meaning to their work, their personality, or their journey, and their death can feel like a rupture in that connection."
Smith said that while parasocial relationships are one-sided, the impact they have on our emotional lives is real. With Payne, many fans will have followed it from the very beginning, making his death feel especially poignant for those who felt connected to his journey.
Jessen James, a former psychiatric nurse who is now an award-winning speaker in the U.K. focussing on personal and professional growth, also spoke to Newsweek about the complicated feelings that may appear when grieving a celebrity—especially one who passes young, and suddenly, like Payne.
"In Liam's case, he has grown up in the public eye, so his fans and even the general public have seen him grow up. It can…trigger feelings of loss from our own experiences and thoughts of our own mortality," James said. "The shock of anyone dying suddenly, especially when they are young, can create unexpected feelings of confusion and disbelief."
How to cope with celebrity grief
Dealing with the loss of celebrities that mean something to us can bring up a range of emotions. Smith and James said that giving yourself space to process those feelings is important. Grief, even in this context, is still grief. Here are some ways they suggested fans move through it:
- Acknowledge your feelings: "It's OK to be sad," Smith said. "Just because you didn't know them personally doesn't mean your feelings aren't valid."
- Talk to others: Engaging with friends or fellow fans who are experiencing the same emotions can provide comfort. "It helps to know you're not alone," Smith said.
- Limit media exposure: James advised fans to limit their media consumption after a difficult celebrity death. "Staying off social media, where you can go down a rabbit hole, [could] be beneficial for your mental health," he said. "Spend some time with yourself and understand these are normal feelings you are processing."
- Celebrate their legacy: "Think about what they meant to you and find ways to honor that," Smith said. "Maybe donate to a cause they cared about or do something creative in their memory."
Payne's passing recalls other recent high-profile celebrity deaths that have sparked widespread grief. In 2020, the unexpected loss of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who died from cancer, had a similar effect on fans. Boseman was not only admired for his on-screen performances but also for the offscreen strength with which he handled his illness. Similarly, the sudden death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash earlier that same year left millions reeling.
The music world, too, was shaken by the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Hawkins' passing was another example of how deeply intertwined celebrities can become with the lives of those who follow their work.
A path forward
While grieving the death of a public figure might not follow the same course as grieving a loved one, it's important to give yourself permission to process your emotions. And, turning toward the people currently in your life might help.
Smith said that although public figures like Payne can touch our lives in profound ways, it's crucial to remain focused on the people around us who contribute to our everyday experiences.
"Stay grounded in your own life and relationships," she advised. "Celebrities touch our lives, but we need to focus on the people we love who are still with us."
For millions grieving Payne, his death represents more than just the loss of a famous person—it's a moment to reflect on personal connections, memories and the ways culture and art shape our sense of identity. Grief in these moments can be complex, but experts agree: It's a natural response to losing someone whose work and presence made a significant impact.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
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