People fall down. Sometimes it’s due to a push, other times it’s from getting too close to the edge.

On other occasions, they jump.

We don’t have all the details about what happened to Liam Payne; we know he was on a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires and then found on the ground below. Tragically, he has passed away at the age of 31.

The news broke late Wednesday, and like many shocking stories about celebrities, a lot of people found out through the gossip site TMZ. However, those who clicked on links or received notifications were taken aback to see a cropped picture depicting Payne’s lifeless body, which accompanied TMZ’s article about the singer’s passing. This image was later removed by the site.

No matter the circumstances surrounding his death, seeing such graphic images was unnecessary.

The public was understandably upset by the disturbing image, but perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise. TMZ has faced criticism in the past, such as from law enforcement after Kobe Bryant’s passing, and they’ve also mishandled other death reports, like that of Tom Petty. The Associated Press strives to uphold certain standards when covering deaths, including guidelines for using graphic content, but on this occasion, an early AP story shockingly detailed the sound made when Payne’s body struck the ground.

What details are necessary when someone passes away? This question becomes even murkier if the person took their own life versus being someone else’s victim. How do we handle accidents or incidents involving drugs or alcohol?

What if the person was a public figure?

Should we know about the details surrounding singer Naomi Judd’s daughter’s report to the police after she discovered her mother’s suicide attempt? Her daughters later fought to keep those conversations concealed after Judd’s death.

What if it were your mother?

For me, it happened in 2012.

The day after my beloved mom, a grandmother to eight and a retired nurse, leaped into the Grand Canyon, I stumbled upon the story in my local newspaper. It had become one of the Most Read articles on the homepage: Woman Who Died at Canyon Identified.

We learn that specifics matter in storytelling. An early lesson in journalism is to obtain the dog’s name, fostering connection, care, and comprehension. But how much do we really need to know? And if we do possess this knowledge, how much should we, as media representatives, share with others?

This contemplation has lingered with me since my mother’s passing. I’ve engaged with psychologists, historians, professors, and medical professionals over the years.

Many experts assert that reducing the stigma around suicide could lead to fewer tragic outcomes, and that openly discussing mental health can be beneficial. Yet, despite the increased dialogue, the national suicide rate has continued its upswing over the past twenty years.

The narrative surrounding suicide reporting has shifted significantly over time: In the 1800s, suicides were reported alongside mundane local news. Later, reporting grew more critical, labeling suicide attempts as impulsive acts. Eventually, there were periods of silence around the subject, almost as though these individuals didn’t exist.

Today, we have more developed protocols for journalists on how to cover trauma and death sensitively.

We are navigating this sensitive terrain, often inspired by knowledgeable voices.

We know that showcasing a deceased individual’s image is inappropriate, but where do we draw the line with 911 recordings? At what point should the public be informed? How do we ensure transparency while also promoting safety? Payne’s friend, musician Alessia Cara, criticized TMZ for their handling of the photos.

It may appear contradictory for a journalist, whose role revolves around gathering facts and disseminating stories, to deliberate on the need for withholding information. In an era where news is instant, alerts occur around the clock, and social media spreads information before verification, do we create an expectation that we should have access to every detail right away?

Should families learn about their loved ones’ passings through the media? Does fame strip individuals of their dignity or our moral responsibilities towards them?

This self-reflection as a journalist weighs heavily on me. Payne’s untimely death affects many for several reasons. He was just 31 years old and leaves behind a 7-year-old child, along with sisters and parents.

We shouldn’t contribute to the pain.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 free and confidential assistance.