Google reveals 2024's Top 10 most searched-for deaths: Liam Payne and Jay Slater included

It is hard to believe that it has been nearly two months since the tragic death of Liam Payne. The One Direction star passed away on October 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Following Liam Payne’s death, his former One Direction bandmates paid tribute to him. Zayn Malik wrote: “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”

Zayn wrote at the end of his tribute that “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.”

Liam Payne had been in Buenos Aires to visit his former bandmate Niall Horan who was in Argentina on tour. He attended Niall’s show with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy but she was not with Liam Payne when he died as she had flown back to Miami.

Niall Horan posted a tribute to Liam which read: “I am absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real.

“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.

“All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime.

“I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.

“My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear.

“Thank you for everything Payne.

“Love you brother.

“Nialler.”

When Liam Payne passed away, Louis shared a photograph of them together on Instagram and wrote: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.

“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.

“Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.

“And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.

“A message to you Liam if you’re listening,

“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.

“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”

Harry Styles also posted a tribute to Liam which read: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.

“His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.”

Harry ended his tribute with these words: “My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”

When Liam spoke on The Diary of a CEO podcast, he spoke about his relationships with his former bandmates and said: "I get on great with most of them. I had a call from Harry the other day. I love him to pieces."

After Liam Payne, the most googled death of 2024 was Jay Slater. The 19-year old who was from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, fell to his death whilst he was on holiday in Tenerife. Jay Slater had got lost in a mountainous area of the island on June 17, 2024, but his body was found in a ravine a month later.

The other most googled deaths of 2024 were Michael Mosley, Steve Wright, Maggie Smith, Robin Windsor, Donald Sutherland, Shannen Doherty, Kevin Campbell and James Earl Jones.