Who is Paul Higgins? One Direction fans left emotional as beloved security member accompanies Liam Payne's father in Argentina 

Liam Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, was swarmed by fans as he made his way to the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following the passing of his son. Fans of the One Direction band noted that the band’s former bodyguard Paul Higgins accompanied Geoff. Many have since taken to social media to react to the same.

X user @tdefenseless28 took to the social networking site to share a video of Geoff Payne and Paul Higgins together on October 18. The video had amassed over three million views at the time of writing this article.

For the uninitiated, Paul Higgins, the Irish security specialist, took on the role of One Direction’s tour manager until 2014. He has also been the security director and road manager for The Weeknd.

Argentinian officials revealed that Geoff Payne visited Buenos Aires’ morgue to identify his son before meeting with the local prosecutor’s office to organize the repatriation of Liam Payne’s body.

Local media also reported that Geoff was at the hotel to pick up his son’s belongings during his visit.

Netizens have since taken to social media to respond to Paul accompanying Geoff in Argentina. Several internet users brought up Higgins’ memories with Liam Payne during their time with One Direction. Some comments online read:

“Paul always being the father figure of the babies,” an X user said.

“It’s great to hear that Paul is there to protect Liam’s family. Having some trustworthy around makes a big gap,” a platform user said.

“It's great to hear that Paul, 1D's bodyguard and Liam's recent protector, is looking out for Liam's family. Having someone dedicated to ensuring their safety and privacy can make a big difference during challenging times,” a netizen said.

Geoff Payne was spotted looking stoic as he walked around the hotel, which was swarmed by Liam Payne’s fans who had left tributary notes and flowers at the venue.

The father of the 31-year-old occasionally stopped to read the notes written in honor of Liam. Some comments online read:

“Thank you Paul for your many contributions over the years,” an X user said.

“Paul Higgins being in Argentina with Liam’s dad after so many years highlights the enduring bonds formed during their time together and the support they continue to offer one another in difficult moments,” another platform user said.

“Wow, Paul Higgins with Liam’s dad in Argentina? That’s unexpected! Feels like a blast from the past,” a netizen said.

Payne’s relatives released a joint statement to express that they were “heartbroken” over Liam Payne’s death. They said:

"Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”

Meanwhile, other comments read:

“Paul is Liam: he always liked the idea of saving someone,” an X user said.

“Paul carried liam like a baby was legend,” a platform user said.

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More about Paul Higgins as toxicology report reveals Liam Payne had Cristal drug in his system at the time of death

Paul Higgins was born in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. He started his own All Star Security firm in the late 1990s. Some artists he has been the bodyguard for include Westlife, Girls Aloud, Shayne Ward, and Boyzone, among others.

Higgins is married to Clodagh, as per Famous Birthday.

As per TMZ, local police found that Liam Payne was under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs, Cristal, at the time of his death. The drugs are known for making people aggressive and causing psychotic attacks. The news outlet also revealed that the drug can cause “extreme highs and extreme lows.”

The police opined that the drug likely led to Liam jumping off the balcony due to the hallucinations caused.