Liam Payne’s Grandfather Dies, Fans Mourn One Direction Band Member With #RIPGrandpaPayne And #StayStrongLiam

When a member of One Direction is in need, there’s no doubt 1D fans will be there with support. On Wednesday, RIPGrandpaPayne and #StayStrongLiam became international trending topics after word spread that Liam Payne of One Direction was mourning the death of his grandfather.

Later, Payne thanked his fans for their support during this tough time.

“Thanks for everyone's support at this hard time obviously this has been a tough few weeks for me I've never been through anything like this,” he wrote. “And your support means the world so thanks guys night x.”

Heavy.com reported that the One Direction star cannot attend his grandfather’s funeral because he is currently on tour with his band.

Fans have been tweeting their kind remarks for the singer’s loss on Wednesday, making #RIPGrandpaPayne and #StayStrongLiam internationally trending hash tags on Twitter.

“@Real_Liam_Payne we love you so much liam. we'll give you all of our support baby okay. we love you so so much xoxo,” wrote @larrysdarling.

“#staystrongliam i love u u are strong and brave im sad for u but now you are staying fine,” wrote Twitter user @victory1demi.

Meanwhile, the sad news was paired with happier news when One Direction announced on Wednesday that the band will have “1D Day” on Nov. 23, 2013. The special day will involve a seven-hour live stream video with special events, celebrity guests and more. The 1D Day website describes it as “an exciting opportunity for everyone everywhere to take part in a unique global event, providing an exclusive insight into the lives of One Direction - and the people around them. 1D Day will consist of a seven-hour stream, filmed live from a television studio and comprising a whole host of special features, celebrity guests and content created by you.”

The band said all One Directioners can get involved; they will explain how over the next few weeks.